Swisher has good chance of playing Friday

DETROIT - Joe Girardi said Nick Swisher's chances of being in the lineup Friday night against Twins righthander Scott Baker are pretty good.

Swisher left in the eighth inning of Game 2 Wednesday with left biceps tightness and showed up early Thursday to start ice treatment with trainer Steve Donohue. He did not attempt to hit in the cages or do much of anything besides get treatment. "Me and him,'' Swisher said, "we're going to hang all day today."

Team doctor Chris Ahmad will examine Swisher today.

Swisher said he first experienced what he called a "little tug" in his biceps a couple of weeks ago but did not feel it again until before batting practice Wednesday. He improved to the point that Girardi said he could have used him as a righthanded pinch hitter if the need arose.

Sunday starter up in air

Because of Wednesday's doubleheader, Girardi is in need of a starter for Sunday's game against the Twins. It is likely to be Sergio Mitre, and Girardi said he is "leaning" in that direction, but he still is going to wait to see how the first two games of the series, especially tomorrow's, play out. Girardi is hesitant because Andy Pettitte, skipped in his last start because of tightness near his left elbow, is on the mound. Should a problem develop early, Mitre is the best long-man option.

"We feel that he's fine, but the intensity steps up on Saturday," Girardi said of Pettitte. "It may be after Saturday's game before we might make a decision."

Extra bases

Chan Ho Park (hamstring), who struck out three in an extended spring training appearance Wednesday, will appear for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre today. If that goes well, Girardi said the righthander "possibly" could be activated by Sunday . . .Girardi said Curtis Granderson (groin) "feels pretty good" but still is likely to be out the full month he originally thought at the time of the injury . . . RHP Ivan Nova made his major-league debut Thursday, with two scoreless innings.