'Pen session will determine Anibal's timetable

DETROIT -- The plan when Anibal Sanchez went on the 15-day disabled list last week was for him to miss two starts before returning. How he fares in a bullpen session Thursday morning at Comerica Park should let the Tigers know whether he can still do that.

Jose Alvarez made his latest start in Sanchez's place Wednesday night against the Angels. The Tigers don't have an off-day until the All-Star break, so Sanchez's spot in the rotation comes up Monday in Toronto. Either Sanchez will make the start, or Alvarez will fill in again while Sanchez works towards a Minor League rehab start.

Until Sanchez throws on the side, the Tigers don't know which way they'll go.

"We don't know about that yet," manager Jim Leyland said.

By all accounts, Sanchez has felt fine in his rehab back from the right shoulder strain that landed him on the DL. However, the Tigers aren't going to risk aggravating it and missing him for a lengthy stretch.