Tigers' Jackson leaves game with sore wrist

Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson left Thursday night's game against the Kansas City Royals with a sore left wrist that could keep him out through the All-Star break.

Jackson led off the game playing center field and struck out in his first at-bat. Manager Jim Leyland said that Jackson looked uncomfortable at the plate and decided to remove him from the game. X-rays taken on the wrist afterward were negative.

''I could tell he was in pain his first at-bat,'' Leyland said.

Ramon Santiago pinch hit for Jackson in the third inning and remained in the game to play second base. Ryan Raburn moved to left field and Casper Wells slid over to center.

The Tigers went on to win, 3-1.

Jackson wasn't sure how he hurt the wrist, but it's been bothering him for a while. Leyland said the speedy outfielder was supposed to be wearing a splint away from the field, but he hasn't been diligent about it because it bothers him when he's sleeping.

''It's been on and off throughout the season,'' Jackson said.

Jackson, who came into the game hitting .246 with four homers and 23 RBIs, said he doubts he'll play the rest of the four-game series against the Royals. Leyland also said he will likely keep him out of the lineup to give him some extra rest through next week's All-Star break.