Matt

Anderson

Anderson might not pitch again this season. He’ll be sidelined for at least two weeks before starting a strengthening program.

As if there was ever any doubt. Anderson will sign a minor league contract with another team. Because he may never regain his old velocity following his shoulder problems, no team will sign him thinking he can contribute at the start of next season.

ESPN’s Peter Gammons indicated that Anderson had been considering retirement, but the former Tigers closer has decided to give it at least one more try. A shoulder injury has robbed him of his 97-100 mph fastball, making him a middle reliever at best. Right now, he can’t even be viewed as a good Triple-A pitcher.

Anderson will start every fourth day and be scheduled to pitch three innings. His first start is tonight. He’ll be back with the Tigers once the results are positive.

Bobby Higginson saved Anderson from allowing a fourth homer in seven innings Wednesday with a great defensive play. No question Anderson’s hold on his job is shaky, but it’s hard to blame a guy for not being ''sharp,’' when the team hasn’t given him many save chances. When Anderson entered the game Wednesday to start the ninth, Trammell had Steve Sparks and Jamie Walker warming up in the bullpen -- not exactly a picture of confidence in your closer.

Anderson was already struggling when he entered a bases-loaded situation Monday night and gave up clean hits to four of the next five batters. The Tigers would love to trade him, but good luck dealing a guy with $6 million left on his contract who isn’t having success at Triple-A.

Anderson told management at Triple-A Toledo about the injury after returning from the Triple-A All-Star break. In 35 2/3 innings with Toledo, Anderson was 1-3 with three saves and a 4.04 ERA, but the Tigers have been nowhere close to recalling him.

Anderson gave up a leadoff walk and lucked out when No. 2 hitter Scott Hatteberg missed a home run by a foot. For fantasy purposes, Anderson is by far the weakest ''true’’ closer right now. He does have some value, but the over/under for his season save total is right around 18.

Anderson has moved on to phase two of the program designed for him, meaning he’s gone from starting games and throwing three innings to relieving and throwing two innings. It doesn’t look like Anderson will return to the majors any time soon.

The defense let Anderson down with three errors, but Anderson’s final pitch was a home run to Anthony Sanders. He’s scheduled to start again Tuesday as he tries to build arm strength.