Infante off crutches, but shin injury keeps him out

TORONTO -- Omar Infante was able to move around the Tigers clubhouse without crutches on Thursday, which was an improvement from Wednesday night after Colby Rasmus' takeout slide at second base resulted in a left shin contusion.

Still, the Tigers didn't have a clearer idea of when Infante will be able to play.

"It appears to be a bruise," manager Jim Leyland said, "but those can get pretty sore and they can linger a while. You don't know for sure. I don't have much else for you."

Ramon Santiago started in Infante's place Thursday.

The Tigers haven't given an indication that a stint on the disabled list is a consideration, but the schedule could work to their advantage if they chose to make the move. Since the four-day All-Star break would count among the 15 days, Infante could miss two weeks while missing far fewer games.