DETROIT -- Rangers right-hander A.J. Griffin is headed to the 15-day disabled list a day after he exited the Rangers' 10-5 win over the Tigers on Saturday in the third inning with stiffness in his right shoulder.
Less than a day after being optioned to Triple-A Round Rock, left-hander Alex Claudio was brought back to replace Griffin.
"Given [Griffin's] history, plus the number of innings he's thrown, let's allow this thing to calm down," manager Jeff Banister said. "I don't think our level of concern is any more heightened than it was [on Saturday]."
The Rangers do not have games scheduled the next three Thursdays, which means Griffin may effectively miss only one start. The possibility of needing only one spot start during Griffin's absence figured into the club's decision.
"That allows us to manipulate the rotation," Banister said. "We'd need one spot start if all is good with A.J. and he's able to return after the 15 days."
Griffin, who spent much of the 2015 season recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in '14, will be examined by team physician Dr. Keith Meister on Monday in Arlington.
The 28-year-old right-hander allowed four hits and three runs in 2 1/3 innings on Saturday before exiting in what was his shortest appearance this season. Entering Saturday's contest, Griffin was 3-0 with a 2.94 ERA in six starts this season.
"All the factors pointed to us being conservative about this," Banister said.
Claudio, 24, was optioned to Round Rock on Saturday in order to clear a spot for veteran outfielder Drew Stubbs, who joined the Rangers on a one-year Major League deal on Saturday. He actually hadn't left Detroit after being optioned on Saturday.
"I'm glad he was still in town," Banister said.
Claudio has posted a 3.18 ERA with a 1.94 WHIP in four appearances with the Rangers this season.