The Tigers asked Jose Valverde to finish a 10-6 game against the White Sox on Thursday, but he was forced to leave with two outs due to lower back tightness.
Valverde retired the first two batters he faced before giving up a single to Paul Konerko and a double to A.J. Pierzynski. He left mid-at-bat while Alex Rios was up.
“His lower back tightened up, and we had to get him out of there,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said after the game.
Valverde, who was a perfect 49-for-49 saving games in 2011, hasn’t shown last year’s form at any point this season. He entered the day with a 4.60 ERA and a 13/11 K/BB ratio in 15 2/3 innings. He had also blown two of his nine save chances.
If Valverde has to miss additional time, either Octavio Dotel or Joaquin Benoit would close in his place. Dotel got the save today despite giving up a two-run single after Valverde left.
