A Detroit Tigers pitcher has suffered a setback in his rehab.
Right-hander Burch Smith exited his rehab outing for Triple-A Toledo two pitches into his relief appearance on Thursday, July 23. He threw two fastballs to begin the top of the seventh inning, showing visible discomfort on both pitches, before walking off the mound and talking with a trainer.
According to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, Smith pulled himself out of the game with an apparent issue with his right shoulder. Smith will be evaluated for a potential injury in his shoulder and lat area, though the Tigers don't yet know the extent of the issue.
"Obviously, it's never good when a guy has to call it off," he said. "So
some concern there, but I don't have any update until he gets evaluated by a doctor."
Smith, 36, has pitched in 13 games for the Tigers this season, putting up a 3.18 ERA over 17 innings. He last pitched for the Tigers on May 21 and was placed on the injured list a day later with a right shoulder injury. He made one rehab appearance for Low-A Lakeland on July 17, when he allowed two earned runs while throwing 16 pitches in one inning.
Smith has appeared for eight MLB teams over his seven-year career, debuting with the San Diego Padres in 2013 and playing in Asia over two seasons (2022-23). The Tigers were hoping to get Smith back soon to help bolster an injury-hampered bullpen, but Detroit might have to wait a while longer to see if Smith can come back this season at all.
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Burch Smith injury update: Tigers RHP suffers setback with rehab exit
