Santiago out 4-6 weeks with fracture in wrist
July 25, 2002
Everything seemed right about the Tigers' 10-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night -- until more X rays were taken Wednesday on the right wrist of rookie shortstop Ramon Santiago.
Initial X rays Tuesday night were negative. But Wednesday's exam showed Santiago has a broken hamate bone and will miss four to six weeks. He will have surgery Friday for removal of the fractured bone. Shane Halter, who lost his shortstop job to Santiago in May, returns in Santiago's place.
"I'm disappointed I'll be out four to six weeks, but there is nothing I can do about it," said Santiago, who has never before had a broken bone. He apparently suffered the injury the way other hitters have, by repeatedly swinging the bat. On Tuesday night, the pain intensified and he had to leave the game.
INGE OUT: Catcher Brandon Inge didn't start Wednesday night because of a sore left shoulder.
VISITOR: Owner Mike Ilitch made a rare visit to the clubhouse Wednesday. Manager Luis Pujols said he and Ilitch spoke for about an hour. Ilitch also chatted with several players, said Robert Fick, one of those who spoke to Ilitch. The owner visited before the clubhouse was opened to the media.
"I tried to work him for a long-term deal," said Fick, who couldn't agree with the club on a multiyear deal this spring. "He didn't say no."
MOVES: Outfielder Craig Monroe was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to take Santiago's place on the roster. Pujols said infielder-outfielder Damian Jackson becomes the club's only backup at second base, third base and shortstop. . . . Right-handed reliever Erik Sabel was claimed off waivers from Arizona; he takes the roster spot of the traded Brian Moehler and will join the club in Cleveland on Friday. Sabel pitched in 42 games for Arizona last season (3-2, 4.38 ERA) and has spent this season in Triple-A (4-5, 4.32 ERA, 25 games). Pujols said he will pitch in long relief.
"He's a sinker-slider type of pitcher who should be able to give us a lot of innings," said assistant general manager Al Avila. "He's a guy with a good arm who's durable."
The club must take someone off the 25-man roster by Friday to make room for right-hander Brian Powell, who will come up from Triple-A Toledo to start that night at Jacobs Field.
Another roster move will be required Monday if third baseman Chris Truby returns that day from the DL, as the club hopes. With Wednesday's trading deadline approaching, a trade or two could clear the roster spots.
July 25, 2002
Everything seemed right about the Tigers' 10-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night -- until more X rays were taken Wednesday on the right wrist of rookie shortstop Ramon Santiago.
Initial X rays Tuesday night were negative. But Wednesday's exam showed Santiago has a broken hamate bone and will miss four to six weeks. He will have surgery Friday for removal of the fractured bone. Shane Halter, who lost his shortstop job to Santiago in May, returns in Santiago's place.
"I'm disappointed I'll be out four to six weeks, but there is nothing I can do about it," said Santiago, who has never before had a broken bone. He apparently suffered the injury the way other hitters have, by repeatedly swinging the bat. On Tuesday night, the pain intensified and he had to leave the game.
INGE OUT: Catcher Brandon Inge didn't start Wednesday night because of a sore left shoulder.
VISITOR: Owner Mike Ilitch made a rare visit to the clubhouse Wednesday. Manager Luis Pujols said he and Ilitch spoke for about an hour. Ilitch also chatted with several players, said Robert Fick, one of those who spoke to Ilitch. The owner visited before the clubhouse was opened to the media.
"I tried to work him for a long-term deal," said Fick, who couldn't agree with the club on a multiyear deal this spring. "He didn't say no."
MOVES: Outfielder Craig Monroe was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to take Santiago's place on the roster. Pujols said infielder-outfielder Damian Jackson becomes the club's only backup at second base, third base and shortstop. . . . Right-handed reliever Erik Sabel was claimed off waivers from Arizona; he takes the roster spot of the traded Brian Moehler and will join the club in Cleveland on Friday. Sabel pitched in 42 games for Arizona last season (3-2, 4.38 ERA) and has spent this season in Triple-A (4-5, 4.32 ERA, 25 games). Pujols said he will pitch in long relief.
"He's a sinker-slider type of pitcher who should be able to give us a lot of innings," said assistant general manager Al Avila. "He's a guy with a good arm who's durable."
The club must take someone off the 25-man roster by Friday to make room for right-hander Brian Powell, who will come up from Triple-A Toledo to start that night at Jacobs Field.
Another roster move will be required Monday if third baseman Chris Truby returns that day from the DL, as the club hopes. With Wednesday's trading deadline approaching, a trade or two could clear the roster spots.
