The Detroit Tigers have placed right-hander Anibal Sanchez and catcher Alex Avila on the 15 day disabled list. Sanchez has been battling shoulder problems and is expected to miss at least two starts.
Sanchez signed a five-year $88 million deal in the off-season and is pitching to a 2.76 ERA, with a 6-5 record.
Avila has a bruised left forearm the result of being hit by a pitch and is hitting .172/.271/.288 with five home runs in 48 games.
In corresponding move , the Tigers recalled outfielder Avisail Garcia and catcher Bryan Holaday.
The Tigers plan to call up left-hander Jose Alvarez from Toledo to start in place on Sanchez on Thursday in their series opener against the Boston Red Sox
