CLEVELAND (AP) -- Detroit Tigers outfielder Brennan Boesch is expected to miss a few games because of a sprained right thumb.

Boesch, one of the first-place club's top run producers, had his thumb examined Thursday by renowned hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham. Tigers trainer Kevin Rand said an MRI revealed a second-degree sprain. He said Boesch will continue to be treated and wouldn't give a timetable on his return to the lineup.

Boesch started Wednesday's game, but was replaced in the second inning. Manager Jim Leyland said Boesch told him his thumb "felt better," but the team wants to take a cautious approach.

Boesch is batting .285 with 16 homers and 54 RBIs in 107 games. He's in an 0-for-13 slump.

Ryan Raburn started Thursday's game against Cleveland in left field.