Sore knee delays Suarez's first big league start

DETROIT -- Tigers prospect Eugenio Suarez might well be the team's saving grace at the shortstop position, but he may be forced to stay off the field for the beginning of his career.

Suarez had been scheduled to make his first big league start Thursday against the Blue Jays, but he was scratched because of a sore left knee. The 22-year-old injured it on an awkward slide into second base Wednesday night.

An MRI conducted on Suarez's knee revealed no structural damage.

"The news was generally good," manager Brad Ausmus said. "They were hoping it'd just be a few days. Because of the position, obviously, we'll have to see how he feels in the morning."

Ausmus added that if Suarez doesn't show signs of improvement by Friday, when the Tigers begin a weekend set with the Red Sox at Comerica Park, a roster move might be coming. He'll be evaluated prior to the series opener.

Unsteadiness at the shortstop position has been the norm this season, as Jose Iglesias was just declared out for the season with stress fractures in both shins. A platoon of Andrew Romine, who started Thursday, and Danny Worth, who was designated for assignment to make room for Suarez, has not been what the Tigers were hoping for. The case was similar with former All-Star Alex Gonzalez, who was released in April.

Suarez was called up from Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday after a two-week stint with the Mud Hens. He's the No. 6 prospect in the organization, according to MLB.com's rankings.