CHICAGO -- What was thought to be a spot start will end up being a longer stint for Buck Farmer, whose win over the White Sox on Saturday likely sets him up for another outing during the Tigers' upcoming homestand.
Farmer fell an out shy of a quality start, but still earned a victory with 5 2/3 innings and three runs allowed. He walked one and struck out three.
"I actually thought his breaking ball was good," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "I thought that was his best pitch yesterday. Usually his changeup is the best."
Originally, the start looked like a spot assignment until Daniel Norris and Anibal Sanchez could return from the disabled list once rosters expand next Friday. But Norris struggled in his third rehab start for Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, allowing four runs on five hits over three innings with four walks and five strikeouts.
"A little trouble throwing strikes," Ausmus said.
Norris returned to the Tigers' clubhouse on Sunday morning, but Ausmus said "there's a good chance" Norris will make another rehab start for the Mud Hens, whose season runs through Labor Day.
Sanchez, meanwhile, was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday to test out his strained left hamstring. If he gets through that without issues, Ausmus said they'll discuss whether he should make a Minor League rehab start before returning.
The Tigers need a fifth starter on Friday, when they host a day-night doubleheader against the Indians. They'll need an extra starter again on Tuesday, Sept. 5, when they host the Royals.