DETROIT -- On the day the Tigers stuck with their starting rotation at the non-waiver Trade Deadline, they received some good news about one of their starters. Mike Pelfrey, who left Sunday's game against the Astros with back stiffness, was diagnosed with a mild Grade 1 lower back strain after undergoing an MRI exam. Pelfrey is considered day-to-day.
With Monday's off-day, plus Jordan Zimmermann and Daniel Norris potentially returning from the disabled list this week, the Tigers have the flexibility to skip Pelfrey for a turn and buy him some more time for his back to recover.