Dmitri

Young

He should be back in the Tigers’ lineup tonight.

Young is limited by a sore right groin. If he’s forced to DH for a while, Craig Monroe will play left field and Dean Palmer and Eric Munson will split time at third.

For the first three seasons at Comerica, the left-field power alley was 395 feet. It was shortened to its present 370 feet last spring. Forty-one homers were hit between the new barrier and the original fence last season, 22 by the opposition and 19 by the Tigers.

He will likely have to go out on a rehab assignment before returning to action around May 24th.

''That starts the process of weight bearing,’' manager Trammell said. ''He’ll be able to do some exercises and walk without crutches, but he’s not ready yet to hit off a tee.’' The Tigers hope Young can resume baseball activities in two weeks and join the team late next month after a rehabilitation stint.

The Tigers think Young could be ready to return to action within two weeks. He is likely to need a short rehab assignment after he is in condition to play. We think it is more likely Young will be back in the Tigers’ lineup at the begining of June.

Young was used as a pinch-hitter last night.

Batting Sanchez first is a mistake, but it will help his fantasy numbers.

The Tigers will have to option either Jason Smith (the team’s only backup infielder while Fernando Vina is out of action), Chris Shelton (a rule five pick they may lose if demoted to Toledo) or a relief pitcher (reducing their pitching staff to an unhealthy number) to Toledo to make room for Young on the roster. Stay tuned.

If you were worried about Young’s absence from the lineup yesterday, don’t be concerned. His leg is fine.