DETROIT – Doug Fister will miss his scheduled start Saturday for the Tigers because of tightness in his right groin.

Manager Jim Leyland says rookie Drew Smyly will start in Fister’s place against the Los Angeles Angels. Smyly has been on the disabled list since July 7 with a right side strain.

Fister said he started noticing a problem while warming up for his last start Sunday against Baltimore. He pitched anyway, allowing seven runs in 3 2/3 innings. Smyly is 4-3 with a 4.42 ERA in 15 starts this year. His rotation spot appeared in jeopardy when the Tigers acquired Anibal Sanchez next month, but he’ll fill in for Fister.

Around the leagues

The Yankees put pitcher Ivan Nova (right rotator cuff) on the 15-day disabled list. The team says treatment will consist of medicine and rest, and that the right-hander will not play catch for five days. Nova is 11-7 with a 4.92 ERA. … Cleveland owner Paul Dolan said manager Manny Acta’s job is safe for now, and that he’s not planning any overhaul of the team’s front office despite Cleveland’s stunning losing skid. The Indians, who have lost 21 of 25 games, have lost eight straight and are 4-17 in August. … Boston left fielder Carl Crawford )elbow) had season-ending surgery.