Tigers place Casey Mize on 10-day injured list with right elbow sprain

Kansas City, Mo. — The Tigers announced just minutes before the game Friday that right-handed starter Casey Mize was placed on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right elbow.

"Casey came in and talked about his arm being sore," manager AJ Hinch said after the Tigers beat the Royals 2-1 Friday night. "He did his normal catch play but didn't want to extend long toss like he normally does. We had the Royals team doctor come in and evaluate him.

"Once we determined he wasn't going to make his next start, we had to make sure we have a full roster."

There is a chance veteran right-hander Michael Pineda could be activated next week. In the meantime, lefty Tyler Alexander will likely stay in the rotation.

In a separate move after the game Friday, the Tigers optioned right-hander Elvin Rodriguez to Triple-A Toledo. They are expected to purchase the contract of right-hander Wily Peralta from Toledo before the game here tomorrow. 

Mize threw 88 pitches in five innings Thursday. He wasn’t sharp, but he limited damage and left with the game tied 2-2.

“Honestly, I'm going to be super vague," Mize said. "I don't want to get too into it. Just woke up feeling a little more sore than usual, played catch today and just thought I needed to advise the training staff about it.

"They thought the best move would be to go ahead and put me on the IL and re-evaluate. We should have some more answers or some more clarity over the next couple days.”

He underwent tests Friday in Kansas City and will be examined by the Tigers' medical staff when the team gets back to Detroit Monday.

"We don't know how significant it is, other that it's going to be a minimum of one start missed," Hinch said. "He'll get a battery of tests and we'll hope for the best. Maybe it's just a little bump in the road."

Outfielder Daz Cameron, who has been with the club in Kansas City, was activated for the remaining three games of the series against the Royals.

Twitter: @cmccosky