DETROIT — Tigers pitcher Jeremy Bonderman won't need surgery on his sore right elbow, but his season likely is over.
An MRI revealed no structural damage but showed pinched cartilage in the right-hander's elbow.
"He has inflammation of the lateral aspect of his elbow — the outside of his elbow — and he will be shut down until he is pain free," trainer Kevin Rand said in a statement.
Though the injury is not as serious as feared, manager Jim Leyland said he doubts the 24-year-old will pitch again this season. He did not say who would start for Bonderman on Friday at the Minnesota Twins.
The Tigers began Monday's game against Toronto six games behind Cleveland in the AL Central and four games behind wild-card leader New York.
Bonderman (11-9) gave up six runs and seven hits in 1 1-3 innings — matching the shortest outing of his five-year career — in Sunday's 14-7 loss to Seattle. After the game he said he felt sharp pain on the outside of his elbow on most throws.