Sanchez's 'pen session big step in path back

DETROIT -- One day after Daniel Norris threw close to 30 pitches off the mound on his path back to the Tigers' rotation, Anibal Sanchez threw a similar bullpen session Monday morning.

Whether Sanchez can take as aggressive of a path back as Norris is another matter, but simply throwing off the mound at this point is big for peace of mind on his part after a rotator cuff strain landed him on the disabled list Aug. 19.

Sanchez threw for a similar amount, then did his usual running routine. His next step will depend on how he feels.

As for Norris, he'll throw another bullpen session in the next couple days, according to manager Brad Ausmus. If his strained oblique gets through that, he could pitch a simulated game next weekend in Cleveland.

If he gets through that, he gives the Tigers options for the final three weeks of the season, both for resting rookie starter Matt Boyd and for slotting starters for the Sept. 21 doubleheader against the White Sox. As of now, the Tigers don't have any plans for watching innings on Boyd, who's approaching his career-high total.