Don’t look for Jeremy Bonderman to jump in and bail out the troubled back end of the Tigers’ starting rotation any time soon.
        Bonderman, who was returned to the disabled list on Friday after making his first big league start in more than a year, told MLB.com in Pittsburgh over the weekend that he doesn’t expect to be ready to pitch again until September at the earliest.
        “My goal is before September, but I know it’s going to be a long process,” Bonderman admitted, after returning from a quick trip to Florida where his surgically-repaired shoulder was examined by specialist Dr. James Andrews.
        Initially, Bonderman hoped to be ready by Opening Day. However, after a lengthy rehab in Florida and in the minor leagues, it was obviously last Monday when he made his 2009 debut against the Chicago White Sox, that he is far from ready.
        “It hasn’t been everything I expected,” the right hander admitted. “It’s been tough. It’s been a tough year.”
        Bonderman will now begin another extensive rehab program on his arm and shoulder with a therapist.
        “I just want  to get back,” Bonderman said. “If it’s not this year, then at least get to where I’m feeling comfortable going into next spring training. From what Dr. Andrews said, I still have a long way to go.
        “I plan on being back, but wherever things go this year, I don’t know. I don’t want to put a timetable on it because when I came back this time I wasn’t ready. I’m not going to come back and hurt the team. When I come back next time, it’ll be to stay.”