DETROIT | First, the Tigers lost starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman for the season.

Now, starting shortstop Edgar Renteria can join the club.

After straining his tricep in an August 18th game against Boston, club officials announced that Renteria is expected to miss the next 5-6 weeks and will likely be out the remainer of the regular season.

"It's certainly a big blow," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "How do I replace a guy that hits like him and plays defense like he does?"

For starters, the team is expected to call up outfielder Reggie Willits, who was recently acquired from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for prospects Yorman Bazardo and Brad Nelson. Top shortstop prospect Alcides Escobar, who is expected to get a crack at the job next year if Renteria decides not to invoke his player option, is also expected to get a call up from Triple A, even though he probably won't see action immediately.

"We obviously like the potential of Alcides, but we aren't going to rush him," said Tigers general manager T-Rez Elliott. "He'll perform in a backup role for us and add depth at the position."

Elliott also said that veteran third baseman Carlos Guillen, who has been mired in a season-long slump, will likely move back to shortstop (his position in 2006) in Renteria's absence.

"We all know that Carloss has been struggling this year," Elliott said. "But he's optimistic about the move - I think he's excited to go back to a position where he was so productive for us last year."

However, there is a possiblity that Renteria, who is hitting .301 with nine home runs and 55 RBIs, could return in time for the playoffs - if the Tigers make it.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Leyland said. "We have to qualify first - and losing Edgar certainly doesn't help."