Anthony Fenech

Detroit Free Press

James McCann went down.

And when the durable Tigers catcher goes down, something usually is wrong.

McCann left Monday’s 7-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park in the fifth inning with a sprained right ankle, according to the Tigers.

“There’s some concern,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “I don’t think we’re overly concerned that it is something long-term, but there’s a reasonable chance it could be a sprain of some grade.”

If it is, Ausmus said, there is a chance McCann could be placed on the disabled list. X-rays were clean, but the team is awaiting results of an MRI.

McCann rolled his ankle stepping on first base while trying to beat out an infield single. On the way down, he collided with first baseman John Jaso. He walked off the field under his own power with a slight limp.

McCann is 2-for-15 and has thrown out three of four baserunners on attempted steals.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia replaced McCann in the top of the sixth inning.

They are the only two catchers on the 40-man roster.

This month, the Tigers traded Bryan Holaday to the Texas Rangers for catcher Bobby Wilson and pitching prospect Myles Jay.

Wilson, who has played sparingly over parts of seven seasons in the majors, and Miguel Gonzalez, who has played five career games in the majors, serve as catching depth at Triple-A Toledo.

PLAYING TIME: With the Tigers’ regulars at full health early this season, playing time for their bench players is proving hard to come by.

“It’s going to be a challenge,” Ausmus said. “If the regulars are healthy, it’s going to be a challenge, there’s no question.”

Tyler Collins got his first start of the season Monday, playing centerfield. He was 0-for-3 with a strikeout. In the field, he was solid.

“We can’t have these guys sitting on the bench for extended stretches and then, all of a sudden, something does happen and we’ve got to play them,” Ausmus said. “Now we’re asking them to perform, and they haven’t had the opportunity to do it prior.”

Collins was final player on the active roster to see the field.

Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech.

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