ST. LOUIS -- For Tigers catcher Jake Rogers, timing is everything.
Rogers was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday just in time to catch his good friend Tarik Skubal in the second of a three-game series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Rogers batted ninth in the Tigers’ order.
“[Skubal] texted me last night and said, ‘What a treat,’” Rogers said. “So, I'm excited, and it's good to catch him again and just to be around the guys.”
Rogers has been sidelined with a left oblique strain since April 8, when he felt a pull while taking pregame swings.
“Getting him back today is good,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “We wanted him back as soon as we felt he was good and ready to go. And once he completed a full game [with Triple-A Toledo] on Sunday, we targeted the back end of this series.”
Rogers hit .333 in four rehab games with the Mud Hens.
“I felt good down there,” Rogers said. “That was one thing -- get at-bats -- but also get your timing back.”
Tomás Nido was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
“Love the guy, love the teammate,” Hinch said. “Love what he did for us. He now enters this unknown on whether he's going to be with us or if he's going to get another opportunity somewhere else. I hope, selfishly, that we can find a way to keep him just because he's a part of everything, knows our pitching staff, and I trust him a ton.”