MLB.com’s Jason Beck reports that Matt Moore underwent surgery on the torn meniscus in his right knee, as expected, but the Tigers expect the left-hander to miss the remainder of the season, as his knee was damaged more than anticipated.
“I’m in my fifth or sixth throw and when I planted, it just felt like your knuckles just slid across,” Moore said. “It wasn’t sharp pain or nothing like that, but the instability told me that it might not be in our control to let this heal up on its own during the season.”
Moore, who initially injured his knee on April 6 against the Royals, was operated on by Dr. Keith Meister on Wednesday in Dallas.
The injury ends what was an encouraging start for Moore, who tossed 10 scoreless innings over two starts, allowing three hits and notching nine strikeouts, before injuring his knee in the third inning last Saturday.
Daniel Norris is currently slotted into Moore’s rotation spot, though the Tigers are skipping his slot following Friday’s snow-out against the Twins. Norris is expected to make his first start later this week against the White Sox, likely Saturday.
Beck reports the Tigers likely will not pursue another starter. Norris was in the running for a spot in the rotation before losing out to Spencer Turnbull and heading to the bullpen.
Moore was counted on as a stopgap, having signed a one-year contract last fall. But he’s optimistic he’ll still be able to fill his role by the start of the summer.