by Jon Paul Morosi

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The Tigers left-hander pitched only one inning Tuesday against Kansas City and left when the knee swelled. He has been battling pain in the knee for months but said after the game that it was never this severe.

"It's definitely not getting better," he said. "All I'm doing is hurting the team by going out there. We've tried everything. I don't know if there's more that we can try. Nothing's worked."

When asked if he expected to pitch again this season, Washburn replied, "I have no guess. ... I don't know why they'd want me to pitch, pitching the way I have."

Previous MRIs on the knee have revealed inflammation and instability but no major structural damage. The Tigers were fully aware of the injury when they acquired him from the Mariners on July 31.

Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand praised Washburn's attempt to pitch through the injury. But Rand wasn't able to sound an optimistic tone about his chances of recovering soon.

"I wouldn't want to harm his career, long-term," Rand said. "That's just where we're at."