Austin Jackson Hits the Disabled List with Strained Abdominal Muscle

Austin Jackson hasn't played since May 16 against the Minnesota Twins because of a strained abdominal muscle, but the Detroit Tigers had yet to put him on the disabled list until Thursday night.

After their game against the Cleveland Indians, a game that saw Quintin Berry hit leadoff in Jackson's place, the Tigers placed Jackson on the DL, retroactive to the 17th, per the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).

The earliest he'd be able to return would be next week, just in time for the homestand opener against the New York Yankees.

The muscle was initially strained while taking a swing during the game against the Twins. Jackson was cleared to rejoin the lineup this past Tuesday but was scratched after the injury continued to bother him during batting practice.

Jackson's placement on the disabled list was necessary in order to make room for Ryan Raburn. Raburn returns on Friday from bereavement leave.

Jackson will reportedly head back to Detroit to receive an MRI amidst other medical examinations.

Prior to the injury, Jackson was enjoying a breakout season at the plate.

Through 36 games, he posted a slash line of .331/.414/.544 with five home runs, 17 RBI and six steals. He's walked 20 times and struck out 29 times.

We'll have to see if this abdominal strain effects him in the long run, as swinging a bat was what aggravated the muscle in the first place.