LAKELAND, Fla. -- Francisco Rodriguez came to Spring Training hoping to get game-ready sooner than usual so that the Tigers' closer could be prepared to pitch for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. It appears he'll cut it tight.
Both Rodriguez and fellow Tigers reliever Justin Wilson were scheduled to pitch in Wednesday's 9-1 loss to the Nationals at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Both were scratched with hamstring tightness, and neither will pitch until at least the weekend.
• Complete World Baseball Classic coverage
Rodriguez was ready to pitch, manager Brad Ausmus said, but was held out as a precaution.
"I just decided not to pitch him, to be honest with you," Ausmus said. "He probably would've pitched, but I don't want to rush him."
Rodriguez is scheduled to pitch Saturday, depending on how his hamstring feels. He's expected to leave the next day to join Venezuela, according to Ausmus.
Wilson was scratched earlier in the day and instead threw off a mound on the back fields, but Ausmus said he cut that side session short.
"He still feels it a little bit," Ausmus said of the injury. "He'll probably be no-throw for a few days."
Quick hits
• The Tigers announced Wednesday they've agreed to terms on one-year deals for the remaining 22 pre-arbitration players on their 40-man roster. Everyone on the roster is now under contract.
• Just two of the Tigers' nine pitchers against the Nationals threw perfect innings, but they were important. Mark Lowe struck out two of the three batters he faced in the fifth inning before Arcenio Leon, a Venezuelan reliever signed out of winter ball in Mexico, struck out the side in order in the seventh with a fastball topping out at 97 mph.
"He opened some eyes in the dugout," Ausmus said of Leon.