DETROIT -- Right-hander A.J. Griffin, an early season sensation for the Texas Rangers, was forced out of a start against Detroit in the third inning on Saturday because of shouAlder stiffness.
Catcher Bryan Holaday signalled to the dugout after Griffin threw an 84-mph first-pitch fastball to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Manager Jeff Banister and athletic trainer Kevin Harmon visited the mound, and Griffin came out of the game after a brief conversation.
Griffin's velocity was down from its usual 88-90 mph for most of his 2 2/3 innings. He allowed seven base-runners and three runs.
Injuries limited Griffin to 14 1/3 innings for 2014-15 combined while in the Oakland minor-league system.