Quick hits

• Top prospect Nick Castellanos hit a two-run homer deep to left-center field as part of a 3-for-3, two-walk, three-RBI game on Wednesday afternoon for Triple-A Toledo in a 9-8 loss at Durham. Castellanos is 5-for-11 with two doubles and two homers over his last three games through Wednesday, raising his batting average from .225 to .256.

• Tigers baserunning consultant Jeff Cox, who spent Spring Training in camp working with Austin Jackson and Andy Dirks, is in town to continue his work. He was at the ballpark on Thursday, and is expected to remain with the team this homestand. Cox was also with the team last weekend in Anaheim, close to his Southern California home.

• It didn't take long for Jose Valverde to take over his old corner locker. The former and new Tigers closer, signed to a Major League contract on Tuesday, got his old spot back by exchanging lockers with Anibal Sanchez.