DETROIT -- A's starting pitcher Brett Anderson was removed from the game in the third inning after throwing 48 pitches with what the team announced as a right oblique strain. On his final pitch, he fell forward during his follow-through, but popped back up and watched as the ball hit by Delmon Young went foul. Anderson was visited on the mound by trainer Nick Paparesta, manager Bob Melvin, and catcher Derek Norris, before leaving the game. Anderson had allowed back-to-back bunt singles down the first base line to start the inning. It looked like the Tigers were exploiting the way Anderson finishes his pitches and comes off the mound with his momentum taking him toward third base. It looked like Anderson was stretching out his back before the fall occurred. He left the game with two earned runs, one out, and a 2-2 count. One of the runners he left on came around to score.
Anderson missed 14 months after undergoing "Tommy John" surgery on his left elbow. He is 4-1 since returning from the elbow injury.
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