Jordan Zimmermann Injury: Updates on Tigers Star's Neck and Return

Detroit Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann went on the 15-day disabled list on July 4 because of a strained neck. However, he's scheduled to return to the team and pitch later this week.

Continue for updates. 

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Zimmermann to Return Thursday

Tuesday, August 2

Katie Strang of ESPN reported Zimmermann will pitch Thursday against the Chicago White Sox.

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Zimmermann Among Tigers' Most Reliable Starters 

This is another setback for Zimmermann, who suffered a groin injury earlier in the season. He also underwent Tommy John surgery in 2009, although he made at least 32 starts in every season from 2012 through 2015.

Thus far this season, Zimmermann has posted a solid 9-4 record with a 3.95 ERA.

The Tigers signed the 30-year-old before the 2016 campaign after he spent the first seven years of his career with the Washington Nationals.

He has posted a sub-4.00 ERA in every season since 2011 and was particularly spectacular in 2014 with a 2.66 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and 182 strikeouts in 199.2 innings. He also finished with a 2.94 ERA in 2012.

Detroit will be hard-pressed to replace the two-time All-Star, who also finished in the top 10 in National League Cy Young voting in 2013 and 2014. Fortunately for the Tigers, they have Michael Fulmer, Justin Verlander, Mike Pelfrey and Anibal Sanchez to turn to as they chase a postseason spot.

Still, the Tigers are a strong contender in the American League Central partially because of the dynamic Verlander-Zimmermann combination at the top of the rotation. They will miss Zimmermann's production while he recovers.