ANAHEIM -- Detroit Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann is on track to make his return from a groin injury on Friday when the club opens its series against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.
"All signs are pointing towards Friday right now, unless something unexpected happens," manager Brad Ausmus said prior to Monday's game against the Angels.
Zimmermann, who is 7-2 this season with a 2.52 ERA, did fielding and agility drills on Monday and is slated to throw another bullpen session on Tuesday. Barring any setback, the 30-year-old Auburndale, Wisconsin, native will return to the rotation and avoid the disabled list.
Zimmermann suffered the injury in a May 22 game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
As for the remainder of the rotation, there will be some decisions to be made soon. Anibal Sanchez is slated to pitch Tuesday, Michael Fulmer on Wednesday and Matt Boyd on Thursday, but the club will not carry an extra starter once Zimmermann returns.
"We have six starters right now, so something has to give," Ausmus said.
Additionally, Shane Greene, who has been on the disabled list for more than a month with a blistered middle finger, is also nearing a return. Greene is expected to make his final rehab start for Triple-A Toledo when the team travels to Louisville on Tuesday.
It is not immediately clear, however, whether Greene will be used as a starter or a reliever once he is activated from the disabled list.