LAKELAND, Fla. -- The sight of Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez limping after throwing home on a play at the plate in Venezuela's 11-10 World Baseball Classic win over Italy on Saturday raised fears back in Tigers camp. The message manager Brad Ausmus received from Rodriguez Saturday night was a much-appreciated reassurance.
"He said it was a cramp from a wrap that was too tight on his leg," Ausmus said. "He said he's fine. To quote Frankie, he said: 'I'm fine.' We're still waiting to hear from the trainers down in Mexico, but I'm optimistic that he's fine, because he told me he's fine."
The wrap is believed to be related to the right hamstring injury that limited Rodriguez to one appearance in Grapefruit League play last Saturday before heading to the Classic.
Ausmus said they'll wait for word from the trainers before they decide whether Rodriguez will remain with Team Venezuela or cut short his participation in the World Baseball Classic and head back to Tigers camp.
Rodriguez traditionally builds up his Spring Training workload at a deliberate pace, culminating late in camp. He had to build up earlier this spring to be ready to relieve for Venezuela, but had no problem with it, having done so in past Classics. In other Tigers injury news:
• Nicholas Castellanos (right quad) was originally slated to return to action Sunday, but was scratched as a precaution. He's slated to serve as the designated hitter Monday against the Nationals at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches before returning to third base on Tuesday.
• Tyler Collins (strained lat), who saw his first game action in center field Saturday as a late-inning replacement, is scheduled to start in center on Monday.
• Jose Iglesias, who had been sidelined since Tuesday with a bruised neck suffered on a slide at home plate, returned to action at shortstop Sunday.