After one shaky start against the Yankees, the Tigers were concerned about Andrew Miller, but not ready to take action.
After Miller couldn't even make it out of the first inning against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, something had to be done.
The Tigers optioned Miller down to high-A Lakeland, where he will put some work in at the Tigers' camp in Florida. The possibility remains that Miller could return to work in the bullpen.
Because the bullpen has now been overworked the past couple games, Virgil Vasquez will be called up to take the start on Friday evening, and Chad Durbin will remain available in the 'pen.
The Tigers will continue with the four man rotation for another week (they have an off day on Monday), before deciding who will take the fifth and final rotation spot. The Tigers hope that after an encouraging bullpen session, that someone will be Kenny Rogers.
Jim Leyland also disclosed that on September 1st, the Tigers will call up pitchers Jose Capellan and Yorman Bazardo, and infielders Mike Hessman and Omar Infante.