Quick hits

• Justin Verlander's second session of live batting practice is scheduled for Friday, Ausmus said, which means he won't be pitching in a game this weekend. Left-hander Kyle Lobstein is scheduled to start Saturday against the Astros in Lakeland, Fla. Anibal Sanchez will make his first start of the spring against the Braves on Sunday.

• Right-hander Eduardo Sanchez exited Wednesday's game in the seventh inning with elbow pain after throwing just four pitches. The non-roster invitee, who signed with the Tigers as a Minor League free agent, will undergo an MRI exam on Thursday in Lakeland, the team announced.

• Alex Avila is scheduled to start at catcher for Thursday's home opener against the Braves after being held out of Wednesday's Grapefruit League opener against Atlanta and Tuesday's exhibition against Florida Southern. Avila suffered back spasms last weekend and had been limited in his work after that as a precaution.