Fister's return from disabled list gives Tigers needed boost

DETROIT - Doug Fister returns to the Tigers rotation tonight, after spending nearly an entire month on the disabled list.

Fister left the field just 3 2/3 innings into his first start of the season on April 8. He suffered a strained costochondral muscle in his left side, that's kept him off the field since the first weekend.

He'll start Monday night against his former team, the Seattle Mariners.

"First and foremost it's good to get back on the mound," Fister said Sunday. "Being in Seattle's gonna be a nice time, but it's gonna be the same game as normal."

Fister threw Wednesday in a rehab start for the Toledo Mudhens. In four innings, he struck out five, and said he was "pleased" with how well he threw.

His return comes at a time when the Tigers starting staff is in the midst of a strong string of outings. Drew Smyly, Max Scherzer, and Rick Porcello all provided the team with impressive performances against the White Sox over the weekend, but the team's record still sits at 14-13.

"We know what he's capable of and when he's out there, that's definitely a good thing for us," Austin Jackson said.

Fister was weary of putting a value on his presence in the clubhouse.

"It's one of 25 (players) coming back, but guys are excited," he said.

Fister was acquired by the Tigers last summer on July 30 in exchange for Casper Wells, Charlie Furbush, Francisco Martinez, and Chance Ruffin. He finished the year 8–1 with a 1.79 ERA in 10 starts with Detroit. For him, the formula for success stays the same -- injury or not.

"I've gone about things just as I would normally, and if there's any tentativeness, that's when trouble strikes. So I've just got to go out there with a full head of steam."