Detroit Tigers right-handers Jack Flaherty and Kenta Maeda don't expect to land on the injured list after suffering injuries in back-to-back games.

In fact, both pitchers expect to make their next start.

"I always love it when the players are optimistic," manager A.J. Hinch said. "They have to put the work in. We'll have to see some things before we commit to it."

Flaherty and Maeda are lined up to start Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, against the Washington Nationals at Comerica Park, following Monday's off day. Both pitchers played catch Friday but still need to complete bullpen sessions.

"Time is on our side," Hinch said. "so we're not under any pressure to make a decision. We'll see how they feel day to day, and today was encouraging."

JACK IS BACK: It's all coming together for Tigers' Jack Flaherty thanks to unlocked slider

Flaherty (low back tightness) and Maeda (abdominal soreness) suffered their injuries Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Flaherty exited after 60 pitches with pain in his lower back; Maeda exited after two pitches with pain near his right ribcage.

Maeda wanted to stay in Wednesday's game because he didn't want to tax the bullpen, forcing Hinch to take the ball out of his glove. Two days later, Maeda went out of his way to thank Hinch for removing him after two pitches.

It was the best decision for his long-term health.

"Based on how I felt today, throwing-wise, I think I can go," Maeda said in Japanese, interpreted by Dai Sekizaki. "I just got to take care of my body until my next start. I'm thankful A.J. pulled me out early to not risk anything further. If anything, his decision made it possible for me to go in the next one."

CONSTRUCTION COMING: Tigers announce Home Plate Club as part of new premium seating at Comerica Park

The Tigers signed Maeda to a two-year, $24 million contract and Flaherty to a one-year, $14 million contract, both inking deals last offseason. Maeda has a 6.25 ERA with 12 walks and 30 strikeouts across 40⅓ innings in 10 starts; Flaherty has a 3.22 ERA with 10 walks and 94 strikeouts across 72⅔ innings in 12 starts.

Flaherty projects to be a top trade chip for the Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline.

"That scare is real," Hinch said of the in-game injuries to Flaherty and Maeda. "We can't have that happen again."

Alex Faedo update

Right-handed reliever Alex Faedo, who landed on the injured list Wednesday with right hip inflammation, received medical tests on Thursday's off day — including an MRI exam — to evaluate his right hip. He completed running drills with the other relievers before Friday's game against the Brewers.

The good news is the Tigers weren't forced to completely shut him down.

The bad news is Faedo still needs further medical evaluation.

Nothing new on Kerry Carpenter

The Tigers didn't provide any noteworthy update on outfielder Kerry Carpenter, sidelined more than a week ago with a lumbar spine stress fracture and expected — but not confirmed — to miss a significant period of time.

"No more update than what was in there," Hinch said.

MORE: Tigers' Kerry Carpenter has stress fracture in lower back, return unknown

The medical report reads: "OF Kerry Carpenter (lumbar spine stress fracture) is completing rehab daily."

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on demand at freep.com, Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Kenta Maeda, Jack Flaherty expect to make next start