Soria could return to Tigers as early as Wednesday

DETROIT -- Joakim Soria's simulated game looks more and more like his final hurdle before pitching in a real game again. He could be activated from the 15-day disabled list if all goes well for him against hitters Monday afternoon at Comerica Park.

"He would need a day [to rest], so definitely not Tuesday," manager Brad Ausmus said when asked how soon Soria could be ready. "But it's conceivable that after one simulated game, he may be able to pitch in a game.

"Now, we'll make a decision, see how he throws, bounces back, talking to him. It may be a case where he wants to throw one more simulated game. We'll wait and see."

Soria seemingly has been aiming for a quick return ever since he started his throwing program a couple weeks ago. As a late-inning reliever, he doesn't have as big of a need to stretch out his arm as a starter would, so one session could be enough.

A Wednesday return could pit Soria against his original team, the Royals, in a game with postseason implications. If he takes longer, he could still return in time to face the Royals in Kansas City in a couple weeks, trying to deny them what would be their first division crown since 1985.

Soria spent five seasons trying to chase a baseball revival in Kansas City, where he saved 160 games from 2007 to 2011. He left for Texas as a free agent after missing the 2012 season due to Tommy John surgery.