V-Mart out with flu-like symptoms

DETROIT -- Victor Martinez was close to getting a few days out of the lineup when his hitting picked up over the weekend. He's out of the lineup anyway, for completely different reasons.

"He's sick," manager Brad Ausmus said. "He came in today. He still looked a little weak. He said he still felt it. He's feeling better, but he's still feeling sick. We sent him home."

Martinez has a sore throat, fever and sinus issues, Ausmus said. He doesn't have nausea, suggesting it's more of a head cold issue.

Nick Castellanos made his second consecutive start at designated hitter Tuesday. Andrew Romine started at third base in Castellanos' place.

The Tigers have more options for the DH slot with their latest batch of September callups, notably slugging outfielder Steven Moya and right-handed-hitting corner infielder Jefry Marte.

In other news:

Ordonez suspended 50 games: Tigers Minor League outfielder Magglio Ordonez Jr. received a 50-game suspension, effective at the start of next season, after a second positive test for a drug of abuse, Major League Baseball announced.

The son of the former Tigers outfield great and 2007 AL MVP runner-up, Ordonez signed out of high school as a 38th-round pick in 2014. He spent the last two seasons in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League, batting .113 (8-for-71) with 10 walks and 29 strikeouts.

Norris, Sanchez could throw sim game this weekend: Daniel Norris threw his second bullpen session Tuesday afternoon in his rehab from a strained right oblique, and Anibal Sanchez is expected to do the same Wednesday as he works back from a rotator cuff strain. Both could end up throwing a simulated game Saturday at Cleveland.

Video: DET@CHC: Norris exits game due to apparent injury

"If Sanchie comes through his 'pen, they may both throw Saturday, just alternating innings in Cleveland," Ausmus said. "Of course, we've gotta get through Sanchie's bullpen, first. Either way, if Norris is fine tomorrow, he'll throw a simulated [game]."

Fulmer had innings count: Tigers officials had stayed quiet about top pitching prospect Michael Fulmer's chances at a September callup. Now that Fulmer is headed home following the end of the season at Double-A Erie, Ausmus said he was on an innings limit this year.

Fulmer, the top prospect acquired from the Mets in the Yoenis Cespedes trade July 31, is a couple years removed from Tommy John surgery. The big right-hander threw 124 2/3 innings at three different clubs, including the final month for Double-A Erie.

Fulmer threw four innings in a start Sept. 1, then didn't pitch again. The SeaWolves closed out with a six-man rotation.

"He maxed out his innings in his last outing in Double-A, so he was off the books," Ausmus said.