LAKELAND, Fla. -- Detroit Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez has been sidelined by right triceps inflammation.

Sanchez was in the pitching group that was scheduled to face Tigers hitters in live bullpen sessions Thursday, but he did not take part.

Sanchez threw off the mound with his group Monday, then had an MRI after his arm was bothering him. That MRI showed inflammation in the lower triceps.

"He felt it when he was last throwing," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "He will throw again on Monday. He won't pick up a ball until Monday."

When he does start throwing again, he won't go right back to throwing bullpen sessions. Ausmus said he'll start simply by playing catch.

Ausmus said he wouldn't be surprised if Sanchez misses a start next week. The Tigers open Grapefruit League play Monday.

"Is it concerning?" Ausmus said. "It doesn't seem to be anything concerning. But I guess you're always cringing when it involves one of your starting pitchers especially."

Sanchez missed a good chunk of the 2015 season with a shoulder issue. Ausmus was asked how important it is to have him healthy and in the rotation this season.

"It's very important," Ausmus said. "Extremely important. He's one of the most important parts of the team, really."

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