Dirks to Resume Rehab in West Michigan Friday
July 31, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - In conjunction with the Detroit Tigers, the West Michigan Whitecaps announced on Thursday that current Tiger and former Whitecaps' outfielder Andy Dirks will be joining the 'Caps on Friday night to continue his Major League injury rehabilitation assignment.
The rehab assignment will be the 16th hosted by the Whitecaps during their 18-year affiliation with the Detroit Tigers, including the third this season.
The 28-year-old Dirks has yet to play in the Major Leagues this year after undergoing back surgery on March 10. He began a rehab assignment with high Class-A Lakeland on July 8, but played just six games before the stint was cut short due to inflammation in his lower back.
Dirks is expected to be with West Michigan for six days, including this weekend's three-day series against Fort Wayne from Friday-Sunday at Fifth Third Ballpark. The scheduled rehab would also include three road games as the Whitecaps travel to Lake County next week.
An eighth-round pick in the 2008 draft out of Wichita State, Dirks made his professional debut with the Whitecaps that June. After just three games, however, he suffered a broken right hand and never returned to West Michigan or played at Fifth Third Ballpark.
Upon his recovery, the 6-foot, 195-pound outfielder quickly climbed the organizational ladder and reached Detroit in 2011. In three seasons with the Tigers, Dirks is a career .276 hitter with 24 home runs and 100 RBI in 297 Major League games.
The Whitecaps continue a six-game homestand with a 7:00 p.m. first pitch on Thursday night against the Lake County Captains at Fifth Third Ballpark. RHP Matt Davenport (5-2, 2.58) is scheduled to pitch for West Michigan against LHP Luis Lugo (5-8, 5.95) of Lake County on Irish Night with $2 food and beverage specials courtesy of an Altogas Thrifty Thursday. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
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