BALTIMORE — There are a few more steps, but Detroit Tigers starter Matthew Boyd is nearing his return from the injured list.
He is scheduled to make a rehab assignment start for Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, manager AJ Hinch said.
Getting to a rehab start came after Boyd completed live batting practice Sunday in Lakeland, Florida. He faced infielder Isaac Paredes, rehabbing from a hip strain, and this year's second-round draft pick Izaac Pacheco. He will pitch one more bullpen session, likely in Lakeland, before starting for the Mud Hens in Columbus.
"He was rusty and a little erratic, but he was healthy, which is the real key," Hinch said Tuesday.