Pelfrey (back) is expected to make at least two rehab starts before returning to the Tigers, Katie Strang of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey is eligible to come off the DL on Tuesday, but he'll require additional time, and at this point it's possible that his rehab could extend into early September. The 30-year-old holds a 4.76 ERA across 115.1 innings on the season.

Pelfrey's back locked up Wednesday preventing him from participating in any physical activities, Matthew B. Mowery of The Oakland Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey was placed on the 15-day DL on Tuesday and will likely take a few days to rest before beginning his rehab. The 30-year-old has a 4.76 ERA on the season but is coming off a solid outing where he pitched shutout five innings while only giving up four hits and one walk. His status should be monitored as he progresses through his recovery, but he will not be eligible to return until August 16 at the earliest.

Pelfrey was placed on the 15-day DL on Tuesday with a lower-back strain, Matthew Mowery of the Oakland Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey had been scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, and he may still do so, but this move will allow the Tigers to keep Matt Boyd in the rotation for now and activate J.D. Martinez from the DL on Wednesday. The veteran righty has hardly done enough to justify sticking in the rotation, even when healthy, as he has a 4.76 ERA and a 52:46 K:BB in 115.1 innings. If Boyd, and perhaps more importantly, Anibal Sanchez can continue to pitch fairly well while Pelfrey is sidelined, he could struggle to regain a spot in the rotation when he is activated.

Pelfrey (back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey had an MRI Monday which revealed a mild lower back strain but he said he was feeling better Tuesday and will toe the hill Friday to begin his rehab program. Since the injury is considered minor, the 32-year-old could return to the majors without a rehab assignment. When he does rejoin the Tigers he'll look to remain in the win column as he's 2-0 with a 3.52 ERA over his last three starts.

Pelfrey's (back) MRI revealed that he has a mild, Grade one lower back strain,Katie Strang of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey left Sunday's game against the Astros early with a stiff back, leading to his MRI and subsequent diagnosis. He should be considered day-to-day for the time being, although his fantasy value is questionable as he has had a fairly poor season through 22 games, posting a 4.76 ERA and 1.72 WHIP.

Pelfrey (4-9) threw five scoreless innings Sunday before leaving with a stiff back, scattering four hits and a walk while striking out four, to pick up the win over the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

With Jordan Zimmermann (neck) and Daniel Norris (oblique) both close to returning from the DL, Pelfrey picked a bad time to get hurt. His spot in the rotation may have been in jeopardy anyway however, as he's pitched six or more innings just twice in his last nine starts, putting a lot of extra strain on a mediocre bullpen.

Pelfrey was removed from Sunday's game in the fifth inning due to back stiffness and is scheduled for an MRI, MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The results of the MRI should reveal the damage, but his back reportedly tightened up. Once more information becomes available, the team should reveal whether or not Pelfrey is in danger of missing his next start and potentially who could replace him if so.

Pelfrey allowed five runs on six hits and two walks with one strikeout over five innings in a no-decision Tuesday against Boston.

EDGE Analysis

This marks the sixth time already this season Pelfrey has allowed five or more runs in just 20 starts -- a 30 percent rate. Pelfrey has now allowed 148 hits in just 110.1 innings this season, and his 1.80 WHIP is the worst in the major leagues by a long shot. Second is Pittsburgh's Jon Niese, all the way down at 1.57.

Pelfrey (3-9) notched a rare win Thursday, limiting the White Sox to one run on eight hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out just one.

EDGE Analysis

Shane Greene came in and finished off the sixth inning after Pelfrey put two men on, and then the game went into a rain delay and was ultimately called with the Tigers holding a 2-1 edge. Pelfrey has given up just a single run in three of his last four outings, but has also been notably disaster-prone thanks to the incredible amount of contact he allows. That doesn't add up to a fantasy-friendly formula.

Pelfrey (2-9) allowed five runs on four hits over 1.2 innings in a loss to the Royals on Saturday. He also walked four and didn't strike out a batter.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran can't seem to get any luck. He only allowed one run in his last two outings before the break, but he took a loss and a no-decision in those starts. Pelfrey just didn't have it Saturday, as he took his ninth loss, which ties him for ninth-most in baseball, by throwing the shortest outing of his season. He also has two victories with a 4.95 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, 42 strikeouts versus 42 walks in 100.0 innings. Pelfrey will try again Thursday against the White Sox.