NewsBonderman set to begin rehab stint
Righty will pitch Saturday for Class A West Michigan
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
05/13/09 12:19 PM ET
MINNEAPOLIS -- Tigers right-hander Jeremy Bonderman will begin a Minor League rehab assignment on Saturday with a start for Class A West Michigan.Bonderman threw a side session Wednesday morning at the Tigers' Spring Training facility in Lakeland, Fla., and reported no soreness in his right shoulder. With that, he was cleared to go out on rehab. The Whitecaps return home to Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday for a 7 p.m. ET game against the Great Lakes Loons.
Until now, Bonderman's outings have all come in extended Spring Training games. His most recent outing Monday lasted 87 pitches. Staying pain-free, plus gaining velocity, have been the keys for Bonderman as he tries to progress from the sore shoulder that has shelved him since the season began.
The Tigers placed Bonderman on the disabled list at the end of Spring Training. His shoulder issues came as he progressed in his throwing program following last year's surgery to repair a circulatory condition in his shoulder known as thoracic outlet syndrome. What was expected to be a brief DL stint before returning to Detroit's rotation has turned out to be a lengthy stay.
At this point, however, the Tigers have the luxury to be patient, to an extent. With Dontrelle Willis rejoining the rotation, Zach Miner in the bullpen and Eddie Bonine at Triple-A Toledo, Detroit has a surplus of starters if they need them. Bonderman can pitch in rehab for up to 30 days once he makes his first outing in an actual Minor League game before the Tigers have to make a move with him.
Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
