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Quick hits

Andy Dirks, who underwent back surgery earlier this month, returned to the Tigers' clubhouse for the first time Thursday, wearing a brace to keep his back in position to heal. He has not yet resumed any physical activity, Ausmus said.

• With Interleague Play coming in the second week of the schedule, Tigers starting pitchers -- with the exception of Thursday starter Max Scherzer -- began taking batting practice in the cages Thursday after three days working on bunts with coach Omar Vizquel.

"Today was the first time they swung the bat," Ausmus said.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason.
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