Because of the concussion the Tigers' reliever suffered on Saturday when a line drive during Orioles' batting practice struck him above the left ear -- but as head trainer Kevin Rand said, "behind the left temple," Alburquerque cannot for medical reasons fly home with the team following Sunday's game.

Rand said Alburquerque was scheduled to be released from University of Maryland Hospital on Saturday and will relax at the team's hotel for the rest of the day before the estimated 8-9 hour drive back to Michigan.

Right-hander Ryan Perry was recalled from Toledo after Friday night's 5-4 victory to replace Alburquerque in the bullpen.

Whether he can match Alburquerque's effectiveness, however, remains to be seen. Alburquerque is 5-1 with a 2.19 ERA in 34 games. He also limited opposing hitters to a .141 batting average while striking out 57 in 37 innings.

He's been a huge asset, in other words. Replacing him, especially if he misses more than a week, won't be easy.

In combined stints at Toledo this year, Perry is 3-0 with a 3.03 ERA and seven saves.

Of Alburquerque, Rand said: "He had some slight internal bleeding, so that has to be addressed. He will be re-evaluated at the end of next week."

Rand said Alburquerque been placed on "anti-seizure medication."

The trainer said that if the injury had happened on the West Coast "he might have had to fly home," but it's close enough to drive from here.

Rand said Alburquerque isn't flying home because of "increased air pressure" on planes.

The Tigers' trainer said a mild concussion can "clear up" within seven days. When asked if Albuquerque's injury is mild, he replied, "From concussive signs, he was not bad, but because of the internal bleeding, you have to address it differently."

Of the fact that both Albuquerque and bullpen catcher Scott Pickens have been hit in the head by batted balls during batting practice this week, Rand said, "To be honest with you, we're surprised it doesn't happen more often."
Around the horn

Outfielder Brennan Boesch was held out of the starting lineup for a third consecutive game on Saturday because of a sprained right thumb, but "continues to improve" Rand said.

"His range of motion and strength also have improved. We're going to put a bat in his hand today and see if he can handle its weight. If he can, we'll do some tee work and get a better idea of where he's at.

... The Tigers transferred the option of right-hander Lester Oliveros from Toledo back to Double A Erie to make room for David Purcey at Toledo, and to replace Perry on the Mid Hens' roster, they activated right-hander Brayan Villarreal from the disabled list.