CHICAGO (AP) – Detroit Tigers reliever Troy Percival likely will miss the rest of the season because of a a partial muscle tear in his right forearm.

Percival, signed by the Tigers during the offseason to be their closer, went on the disabled list for the second time this season on July 15, a move retroactive to July 10. He was examined Monday by Dr. Lewis Yocum, who conducted an MRI exam and said Percival must rest for two months. It is not known if he will need surgery.

“We have some depth, but we’ve lost a part of that,” Tigers manager Alan Trammell said Tuesday. “We’re fortunate we still have some pretty good arms.”

Mostly because of health issues, Percival, 35, did not perform to expectations. The former All-Star was 1-2 with a 5.76 ERA and eight saves in 11 opportunities over 25 innings. He went on the disabled list on May 10 with the same injury, returning to the lineup on June 5 before re-aggravating the injury on July 9.

Percival was given a $12 million, two-year contract by the Tigers. Trammell said he didn’t regret the deal because of Percival’s veteran presence in the bullpen.

“He’ll be missed in more ways than one,” Trammell said.

Kyle Farnsworth will take over the closer’s role, Trammell said. Farnsworth is 1-1 with a 1.85 ERA and three saves. He could be suspended for his role in a fight Sunday against Kansas City.

AP-ES-07-19-05 1914EDT