New updates on 2 Tigers pitchers fighting finger issues

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez pitches against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com

PHILADELPHIA -- Alex Faedo went to the doctor for a checkup on his bum finger on Tuesday and got the pitcher's version of a manicure.

The Detroit Tigers right-hander had a portion of the fingernail on his right middle finger removed. Faedo said he hopes the procedure will let the damaged nail heal faster while causing him fewer problems going forward.

"I should be good sooner than later," Faedo said.

Lefty Tyler Alexander will start Tuesday in Faedo's spot in the rotation, although it will essentially be a bullpen game, as Alexander is probably not stretched out to throw more than two or three innings.

The Tigers may use a similar arrangement for the next few starts while Faedo is on the mend.

In a coincidence that the injury-riddled Tigers probably would prefer never to repeat, left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez saw the same Philadelphia-based finger specialist on Tuesday.

The doctor cleared Rodriguez to resume playing light catch nine days after he went on the injured list with a "ruptured A4 pulley" in his left index finger.

The injury is common to mountain climbers. Treatment and recovery time can vary greatly.

Rodriguez didn't offer a timeline for his return, but he said he was pleased to be throwing the ball again so soon.

"After nine days it just feels really good to go out and play catch," he said. "As for the timetable, I don't really know. I just feel happy right now that I have the clearance to start playing catch. That's all that matters for me right now."

"We’ll see where we are tomorrow, the next day and the day after that."

Rodriguez is 4-4 with a 2.13 ERA through 11 starts this season. He's struck out 67 and walked 16 in 67 2/3 innings. At the time of his injury, he had the fourth-lowest ERA in the major leagues among qualified pitchers.

"It's encouraging on both fronts," said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. "I don't know fast the nail can heal and I don't know how fast a pulley can heal, but I’m glad they were able to see a specialist and give us a bit of a clearer path."

Rodriguez and Faedo are among nine Tigers pitchers currently on the injured list.

TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (40)

Left-handed pitchers (6): Tyler Alexander, Matthew Boyd, Tyler Holton, Eduardo Rodriguez*, Chasen Shreve, Joey Wentz.

Right-handed pitchers (13): Braden Bristo, Jose Cisnero, Seth Elledge, Mason Englert, Alex Faedo*, Jason Foley, Garrett Hill, Alex Lange, Michael Lorenzen, Reese Olson, Spencer Turnbull*, Will Vest, Brendan White.

Catchers (3): Eric Haase, Jake Rogers, Donny Sands.

Infielders (12): Javier Báez, Miguel Cabrera, Andy Ibañez, Ryan Kreidler, Andre Lipcius, Nick Maton, Zach McKinstry, Tyler Nevin, Wenceel Perez, Jonathan Schoop, Zack Short, Spencer Torkelson.

Outfielders (6): Akil Baddoo, Kerry Carpenter*, Riley Greene*, Jake Marisnick, Parker Meadows, Matt Vierling*.

Players on the active roster are in bold.

*Player on 10- or 15-day injured list.

Outfielder Austin Meadows (anxiety); left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal (flexor tendon); and right-handed pitchers Matt Manning (right foot fracture), Casey Mize (Tommy John surgery), Beau Brieske (right ulnar nerve entrapment), Freddy Pacheco (right elbow sprain) and Trey Wingenter (right biceps tendinitis) are on the 60-day injured list and do not count against the 40-man roster.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.