Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Pineda pitched three scoreless innings Thursday for Triple-A Toledo.
"It was quick and pretty efficient," Tigers manager AJ Hinch said.
The 33-year-old will make a four-inning start Tuesday in Toledo. He is expected to need two outings with the Mud Hens before joining the Tigers. As Pineda builds up, left-handed reliever Tyler Alexander has his spot as the fifth starter.
Pineda's three scoreless innings were accompanied by one hit allowed and one strikeout. He threw 22 of 33 pitches for strikes. The Tigers signed him to a one-year, $5.