DETROIT -- The Tigers' injury woes claimed another player during a 6-0 loss to the Indians on Wednesday afternoon, when speedy outfielder JaCoby Jones left the series finale after making an awkward lunge into first base, jamming his left hip.
The Tigers announced Jones has a left hip contusion. He underwent an MRI and other tests after leaving the game, and will be further evaluated on Thursday in Seattle, where the Tigers begin a four-game series against the Mariners on Thursday night. He's listed as day to day.
Jones, who has been on a good stretch of play in center field since Leonys Martin went on the 10-day disabled list on May 9, was trying to leg out a first-inning single on a ground ball to third base. He made a lunging stride into first base, trying to beat out Erik Gonzalez's throw, and hit the bag hard with the front of his left foot.
Coaches usually prefer players run through the bag rather than lunge at it on close plays, because of the injury risk.
"He could've blown his knee out, his ankle, a number of things," manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Jones went back into the dugout and down to the steps to the clubhouse with head athletic trainer Doug Teter, but he returned and took his spot in center field for the second inning. He left the game an inning later. Michael Mahtook moved from left field to center, with Victor Reyes entering the game in left.
Detroit already has an injury-plagued lineup with Martin, Jose Cabrera and Jeimer Candelario on the 10-day DL. Martin is expected to return from his left hamstring strain sometime during the Tigers' upcoming weekend trip to Seattle, but Gardenhire said they'll be cautious with him.
Jones entered the day batting .254 with three homers and 10 RBIs, but he is 6-for-21 this homestand and has helped ignite Detroit's recent winning ways, including a leadoff home run in Tuesday's dramatic win.