Thames is going to be out a while

The follow-up news on Marcus Thames is not good. Head athletic trainer Kevin Rand called it a “fairly significant left rib cage muscle strain,” severe enough that the muscle, cartilage and rib all got pulled. That’s why Thames felt a pop when he swung, and then had to catch his breath.

No firm timetable for a return, but Rand said Thames can’t do any physical activity for the next until he’s pain free, an estimated 2-4 weeks.

“He’s such a big part of our team,” manager Jim Leyland said. “I think he’s going to be out a while.”

Raburn arrived from Toledo early this afternoon and is in the starting lineup, batting eighth and playing right field. Magglio Ordonez will be the designated hitter tonight. Look for the rotation of guys at DH to pick up while Thames is out, moreso than the Tigers had already been doing.

“I can go a lot of different ways with it,” Leyland said.

To fill the void at Toledo from Raburn’s call-up, the Tigers acquired the contract of journeyman outfielder Jason Tyner from the Brewers organization.