Al Alburquerque (elbow surgery) is still a week away from beginning a throwing program. The 25-year-old setup man is scheduled to undergo a CT scan next week to determine the status of his right elbow, which he had surgically repaired back in December. "We have to feel comfortable before we start moving him," Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said Wednesday. Alburquerque is doubtful to be ready before the All-Star break.

Al Alburquerque (elbow) remains on track to begin a throwing program during the latter part of spring training. Alburquerque underwent surgery in mid-December to repair a stress fracture in his right elbow. The 25-year-old right-hander is currently focused on shoulder and elbow strengthening exercises in hopes of getting clearance to throw by mid-March. However, he is expected to be sidelined until at least the All-Star break.

Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports that Al Alburquerque has undergone surgery to have a screw inserted into his pitching elbow to repair a non-displaced stress fracture. He's expected to start throwing towards the end of spring training but won't be ready to pitch for the Tigers until around the All-Star break. Alburquerque spent time on the disabled list this past season with inflammation in his elbow but was brilliant after returning, not giving up a run in 15 second-half appearances. It's a significant blow to the back end of the Tigers bullpen and might have played a part in their signing of Octavio Dotel.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said that Al Alburquerque struggled during his recent ALDS appearances because he didn't pitch enough in September. "You see the stuff is just not as crisp," Leyland said. "The control is just not as good." Alburquerque missed nearly a month after suffering a concussion, giving him only 6 1/3 innings of work during the final seven weeks of the regular season. In the playoffs, he has yielded three runs on two hits and a walk while recording only one out.

Al Alburquerque returned to action on Thursday September 22.

Al Alburquerque could pitch Wednesday against the Royals. Alburquerque hasn't pitched since September 14 due to a hip strain. "He threw a little bit today, and we're going to wait another day," Leyland said on Tuesday. "He's feeling better." Max Scherzer and Doug Fister are both scheduled to pitch on Wednesday, so the Tigers could decide to push Alburquerque back another day. Either way, they hope to get a read on his health in time for the postseason.

Al Alburquerque (concussion) is scheduled to throw a side session on Monday evening. If it goes well, the right-hander should be cleared to return from the disabled list when rosters expand on September 1. Alburquerque has been sidelined since mid-August with a concussion. He has a 2.19 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 37 innings this season.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Friday that Al Alburquerque (concussion) won't be ready to return for at least another week. The Tigers placed Alburquerque on the 7-day DL after he suffered a concussion when he was hit in the head with a line drive during batting practice last week. He'll have to get clearance from MLB before rejoining the Tigers' bullpen.

The Tigers are optimistic that Al Alburquerque (concussion) will be able to return from the disabled list next week, but he'll have to pass a battery of tests before being cleared to play. Alburquerque suffered a concussion when he was hit by a line drive last Friday during batting practice. He was able to play catch Tuesday without any issues and says he's feeling good, but we'll have to see if he can pass the necessary tests.

Al Alburquerque (concussion) was released from the hospital on Saturday afternoon. Alburquerque has already been placed on the 7-day disabled list and could be out for well over a week. He can't fly, so he'll be driven from Baltimore back to Detroit within the next couple of days. The right-hander was struck in the head Friday by a stray batting practice ball.