By: Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Tigers right-hander Joel Zumaya was diagnosed with a fracture in his elbow and will miss the rest of the 2010 season. But while it’s a disappointing injury for Detroit, it’s perhaps the best news for the pitcher since he suffered no ligament or tendon damage after he injured his arm while throwing a 99-mph fastball to Delmon Young in the eighth inning last night.

Zumaya could be back next season. But for now the Tigers will have to proceed on without their flame-throwing reliever.

Due to Zumaya’s injury, it was almost forgotten in last night’s contest that the Tigers now have a half-game lead in the AL Central. It’s a lead that the Twins hope will be short-lived as the two meet up for the second of three contests at Target Field tonight.

Right-hander Nick Blackburn will try to get back on track against the Tigers after a rough month of June. Michael Cuddyer is back at third base and Jim Thome, who brought a smile to everyone’s face with his triple last night, is back in the lineup at DH.

Tigers (41-34)
Austin
Jackson, CF
Johnny Damon, DH
Magglio Ordonez, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Brennan
Boesch, LF
Carlos Guillen, 2B
Brandon Inge, 3B
Alex Avila, C
Ramon Santiago, SS
Pitching: RHP Armando Gallaraga (3-1, 3.68 ERA)

Twins

(41-35)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 3B
Jim Thome, DH
Delmon Young, LF
Nick
Punto, SS
Pitching: RHP Nick Blackburn
(6-5, 6.10 ERA)

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