Austin Jackson Injury: Sore Wrist Could Sideline Tigers' Center Fielder Until After All-Star Break

Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson left Thursday night's game against the Kansas City Royals after two innings with a sore wrist, and MLive.com indicates that the injury could keep him out of action until after the All-Star break is over.

"We've already had it checked out," [Tigers manager Jim] Leyland said. "It's nothing serious."

Leyland said he discussed the injury with Jackson earlier in the day ...

"He said, 'I can use my legs, I can bunt, I can get on,' but after I saw his first at-bat swinging, I could tell he was in some pain," Leyland said.

Leyland said that if Jackson were to be held out into the All-Star break, Andy Dirks and Casper Wells would be likely candidates to play in his place.

It sounds as if Leyland isn't particularly concerned, and that if Jackson is out a few days, it will mostly be precautionary. Managers sometimes allow players with nagging injuries to sit for the few games before the All-Star break, so that they get a few extra days to recuperate.

After finishing second to Neftali Feliz in A.L. Rookie Of The Year balloting in 2010, Jackson has been less productive this year, hitting .246 with a .319 on-base percentage and a .362 slugging percentage. Most of that is due to a poor April, however.

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