Tigers to skip Zimmermann's next start

After struggling in his return from the disabled list on Saturday, the Detroit Tigers have made the decision to skip Jordan Zimmermann's next start.

Manager Brad Ausmus confirmed the move following Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, and said the 30-year-old will instead throw a simulated game later this week.

"He's going to throw a sim game on Wednesday," Ausmus told reporters. "Probably around 80 pitches. See if we can sharpen him up.

"He didn't feel like he had the arm speed. He didn't feel like it was there, so we're going to throw a sim game to see if we can get that back. We'll go from there after we see what he looks like and how he feels."

After a torrid start to his first season in Detroit, Zimmermann has tailed off considerably and has struggled to stay healthy since June, landing on the disabled list twice with the same neck issue. The 30-year-old's return on Saturday was a brief one, as he lasted just one inning, allowing six runs on four hits, including three homers.

"I feel good. It feels like it's coming out good, but it's not going where I want it to go," Zimmermann told George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press on Sunday. "I'm missing and missing a little bit each way and I need to know where the ball is going and be able to throw where I want it."

Zimmermann owns a 9.84 ERA in his last seven starts dating back to June 8.