Zimmerman cleared by MRI, Tigers have yet to decide

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said the MRI showed no tissue or muscle damage, but the team won't make a final short-term decision until he throws a bullpen session Sunday (Steve Nesius/AP)

Detroit Tigers starter Jordan Zimmermann escaped significant injury in his return Thursday night.

In his first start back after missing a month because of a neck strain, Zimmermann allowed six runs in 1 2/3 innings in a loss to the Chicago White Sox. He was hampered by tightness in his right lat muscle, and had tests Friday.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said the MRI showed no tissue or muscle damage, but the team won’t make a final short-term decision until he throws a bullpen session Sunday.

Zimmerman is 9-5 with a 4.44 ERA in 16 starts. He’s 2-3 with a 7.61 ERA in seven starts since missing a start in late May with a groin strain.

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