Tigers general manager Al Avila told the media on Saturday that the franchise has been in contact with starter Eduardo Rodriguez, who has begun a throwing program. Avila hopes Rodriguez could return to the majors in late August.
Rodriguez, who signed a five-year, $77 million contract with Detroit as a free agent last winter, has not pitched since May 18 when he suffered an injury to his rib cage.
After beginning a rehab assignment to work his way back to the rotation, Rodriguez informed the club on June 13 that he was taking a leave of absence to tend to a personal matter.