by Grand Rapid Press

Detroit Tigers reserve outfielder Ryan Raburn had just beaten the Chicago Cubs with the first walk-off home run of his life, and Jim Leyland put a bear hug on him. After the embrace, Leyland put his arm around Raburn and both smiled widely on the way to the dugout.

Raburn was the last position player cut in spring training, and delivering the news was tough on Leyland. But he recalled Raburn from Toledo two weeks into the season, and, after a slow start, he has rewarded his manager by allowing him more flexibility while also producing at a better rate than expected.

Raburn is batting .311 with 16 runs, five home runs and 18 RBIs in his past 31 games. He has been a needed sparkplug on a team that often struggles offensively, and went 3-for-3 with two doubles, one RBI and one run scored Tuesday night against the Oakland A's.

"He's a valuable player," Leyland said recently. "He's playing his (butt) off, and been one of our better players in a quiet way. But he's one of those who can get lost in the limelight."

Leyland said he is comfortable playing Raburn, 28, anywhere except shortstop. He usually plays the corner outfield spots, but has two starts at first base and is the No. 3 catcher. Raburn also has started at second, third and center.

When asked what makes him proudest, Raburn said, "The ability to play wherever (Leyland) wants me to play. I might not be the best player at that position, but I can do it well enough."

He's a jack of all trades, but someday would like a shot to start at one spot.

"I do not see myself as a role player for the rest of my career," Raburn said, "but there is so much talent on this team. I feel I can be an everyday player, but can't complain too much if I make a career out of doing this. I'll do whatever it takes to keep this uniform on my back."

NATE ROBERTSON had surgery Tuesday in Detroit to remove four small, fibrous masses from his left elbow. Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said the best results possible were realized because the ulnar nerve in the area was not being compromised by the masses. "We should have a chance to get him back by the end of the year," Rand said. "He should begin playing catch in three to four weeks."

RAND SAID PITCHER Jeremy Bonderman (shoulder) continues doing strengthening exercises and is expected to begin playing catch when the club returns to Detroit on Monday. Left fielder Carlos Guillen (shoulder) began hitting off a tee this week and doubled his throwing distance to 90 feet. Rand said he is "doing much better" and expects him to leave the physical therapist he is working with in Miami and continue rehabilitation with the Tigers on Monday. Rand would not comment on the specifics of the treatment of Dontrelle Willis (anxiety disorder), saying only that he was not traveling with the club and is continuing Baseball activity.

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