Gerald Laird is scheduled to test his injured right hamstring Friday with a round of batting practice.

Laird hasn't played since straining his hamstring on Tuesday. The veteran backstop is hitting .300/.333/.480 in 55 plate appearances this season for Detroit.

Gerald Laird hit a double and scored a run in Wednesday's loss to the Mariners.

Laird is filling in at catcher for Alex Avila, who has come down with knee soreness and could be out a few more games. The 32-year-old veteran carries no fantasy value.

Gerald Laird is recovering well from a left hamstring injury that he suffered in an exhibition game Wednesday.

The hamstring is evidently more of a concern than the knee now, but it doesn't sound like either ailment will keep him from being available to play. He'll be ready to back up Alex Avila on Saturday.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Thursday that Gerald Laird (knee) is "fine" for Opening Day.

Laird sprained his left knee near the end of spring training when he collided with teammate Don Kelly. The 32-year-old catcher will back up Alex Avila this season.

Gerald Laird (knee) thinks he'll be sidelined "only couple of days."

"Glad I did not blow it out," Laird said of his left knee following a collision with third baseman Don Kelly Friday. He's been diagnosed with a sprain, and evidently no further tests will be required.

Gerald Laird left Friday's game with an apparent knee injury after colliding with third baseman Don Kelly while trying to field a pop-up.

There's no word yet on the severity of the injury, but it doesn't sound good. We'll update his condition when more is known. If Laird has to miss significant time, the Tigers will likely bring Omir Santos back from minor league camp or could pursue outside help like Ivan Rodriguez.

Tigers signed C Gerald Laird to a one-year, $1 million contract.

The deal was reported Thursday and has now become official. Laird is headed back to the team he played for from 2009-2010 before signing with the Cardinals last offseason. The 32-year-old batted .232/.302/.358 with one home run, 12 RBI and a .660 OPS over just 108 plate appearances this season. He'll back up Alex Avila.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Tigers have signed Gerald Laird to a one-year contract, pending a physical.

According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com, the Tigers are close to signing Gerald Laird.

Morosi notes that Kelly Shoppach was a possibility for the Tigers in recent days, but that Laird is now considered their top choice. The 32-year-old batted .232/.302/.358 with one home run, 12 RBI and a .660 OPS over 108 plate appearances this season while throwing out 20 percent (4-for-20) of attempted basestealers. He previously played with the Tigers from 2009-2010 before signing with St. Louis last offseason.

Gerald Laird returned to action on Saturday July 30.

Neither Gerald Laird (finger) nor Tony Cruz (hand) will need stints on the disabled list.

Both catchers were injured in Thursday's game, but it sounds like they're just day-to-day. The Cards will likely plan Yadier Molina all nine innings Friday but could have one or both of Laird and Cruz available.

Gerald Laird was pulled from Thursday's game against the Astros after spraining his left ring finger.

Laird appeared to suffer the injury on an awkward slide into home plate. The Cardinals are already carrying three catchers and should have no problem dealing with his absence, however long it ends up being. Tony Cruz replaced him on Thursday. Yadier Molina is likely to return Friday.

Cardinals activated C Gerald Laird from the 15-day disabled list.

Laird will return to his role as Yadier Molina's backup after spending over a month on the disabled list with a fractured right index finger. He's not a fantasy guy.

Gerald Laird (finger) is likely to be activated from the disabled list Thursday.

We originally heard Friday, but Laird had a pair of hits and an RBI in his first rehab game with Triple-A Memphis Tuesday, which might have convinced the Cardinals he needs only two rehab appearances. Tony Cruz will be sent down when Laird is activated.

Gerald Laird (finger) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment Tuesday.

Laird is planning to return to the Cardinals' bench on Friday night. He has been on the disabled list since late May with a small fracture in his right index finger.

Gerald Laird (fractured finger) began playing catch and hitting off a tee on Tuesday.

Laird has an X-ray scheduled in two weeks and could be cleared at that time to ramp up his activities. He looks in line to return around the All-Star break.

Gerald Laird (fractured finger) could begin throwing next week.

It's the first step in the backup catcher's comeback trail. He's probably still at least a couple weeks away from a return to action, with early July looking likely.

Cardinals placed C Gerald Laird on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured right index finger.

Laird suffered the injury Sunday when he was hit by a pitch during a sacrifice bunt attempt. It's possible that he could be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. Tony Cruz will replace him as the backup to Yadier Molina.

Gerald Laird will be placed on the disabled list prior to Monday's game with a broken bone in his right index finger.

In the 10th inning on Sunday, Laird was hit by a Louis Coleman pitch while attempting a sacrifice bunt. Laird stayed in the game. Tony Cruz and Bryan Anderson are two catchers at Triple-A Memphis who are both on the 40-man roster.

Gerald Laird has a broken bone in his hand and is expected to go on the disabled list.