Danny Knobler is reporting that Curtis Granderson will be headed to the disabled list with broken middle finger to start the season.

…the Tigers put Granderson on the disabled list with a non-displaced fracture in his right middle finger. Granderson is expected to miss three weeks.

Curtis was hit by a pitch in yesterdays matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies, but by most accounts he was going to be just fine. I’ll assume that we will be seeing some of Ryan Raburn filling in to cover the large outfield at Comerica Park to start the season. Jason Beck also sees Raburn breaking camp with the team now. Ian also mentions Brandon Inge, unlikely in my option, or Freddy Guzman as potential replacements as well.

This has implications beyond who’s manning centerfield for the Tigers but for the Tiger lineup. Curtis had locked down the leadoff spot which now needs filled. I’d like to see Gary Sheffield be placed there since his hitting is in decline but he still is bringing a big OBP to the team. I don’t think that is likely and we’ll see Placido Polanco or Pudge (ugh) instead.

I’m hoping this is an early april fools joke along with speculations of a Dontrelle Willis injury.