Renteria, Rodriguez riding out break

07/12/2008 4:32 PM ET
Renteria, Rodriguez riding out break
Shortstop down with hamstring injury, catcher getting rest
By Scott McNeish / MLB.com

DETROIT -- The Tigers will wait until after the All-Star break to reinsert shortstop Edgar Renteria into the starting lineup.

Renteria suffered a mild left hamstring strain while running to first base in Wednesday's win over the Indians. Manager Jim Leyland said Friday the five-time All-star might return for Saturday's game, but Renteria showed no improvement from Friday to Saturday. Ramon Santiago will continue to handle the shortstop duties.

Leyland added he wouldn't use Renteria in an emergency or pinch-hit situation in the final two games before the break.

"We're going to wait with him," Leyland said. "He's not ready."

The injury hit Renteria at a bad time, coming just after he snapped an 0-for-23 slump.

Detroit will also rest catcher Ivan Rodriguez for the weekend. Leyland said the decision to sit Rodriguez wasn't health-related, but just a way of getting the 36-year-old extra rest.

Backup catcher Brandon Inge will start behind the plate as the Tigers pull into the break. Inge started in that spot Saturday, his first appearance since coming off the 15-day disabled list Thursday after an oblique injury.

Scott McNeish is an associate reporter for MLB.com This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.