Torres takes break from swinging, rejoins Tigers as return from IL unclear

BALTIMORE -- Gleyber Torres has rejoined the Tigers this weekend in Baltimore. Unfortunately, that means his road back to contributing on the field has gotten a bit longer.

Torres said Sunday that his return to the clubhouse coincides with a four-day break from attempting to take swings during his rehab from a left oblique strain that has kept him out since May 4.

“In Florida, we do a really good job. We hit a couple days, feels good, but when we try to hit a little bit more, don't feel any good,” Torres said. “I can do everything, like defensively, running, everything, but the way I can't be able to [swing] right now is really tough.”

Manager A.J. Hinch previously explained that Torres had not regained the ability to take swings at full speed. The hope is the break will allow additional healing that could see Torres get back into the batting cage Tuesday when the Tigers return home.

The three-time All-Star’s absence has correlated with Detroit posting an MLB-worst .598 OPS in May, and spiraling into a seven-game losing streak entering Sunday’s split doubleheader against the Orioles.

“Just the presence alone and the on-base skills alone,” Hinch lamented. “There's always a hit in there during the day. Even on his bad days, he's going to find a way to get on base or get a hit, and that's very, very stable in the top third of the order.”

While the mood could change quickly if the Tigers snap their slide Sunday against an Orioles club that has also been struggling, Torres said returning from the club’s complex in Lakeland, Fla., has had an emotional impact.

“From the beginning, I thought it was going to be a short period,” he said of his rehab. “And now it takes me a little bit more than I expected. It feels really frustrating because I feel like I can't do anything for the team. And it made me a little bit more worried because when I was in Florida, I saw the game, but I wasn't around with the boys. And now I'm here and just feel whatever they feel right now. It's awful.”

Hurter heads to IL

Meanwhile, Detroit placed left-handed reliever Brant Hurter on the 15-day IL with lumbar spine inflammation, retroactive to Saturday, after he exited Friday night’s 7-4 loss under duress, and recalled right-hander Ricky Vanasco from the Toledo Mud Hens.

Hurter had been one of Hinch’s most reliable relievers, particularly against left-handers.

“It's tough to lose Brant because he, you know, he's part of our attack plan on every lineup,” Hinch said. “And I trust him, especially against lefties. He's a tough look. He can go short. He can go long. So it's another injury that we're going to need to deal with.”