TAMPA, Fla. -- The battle for the Tigers' rotation appears to be reaching a conclusion. Anibal Sanchez has been informed he will begin the season in the bullpen, a source close to the situation confirmed to MLB.com Tuesday night.
The Detroit Free Press first reported that Sanchez is expected to serve as Detroit's long reliever when the regular season begins next week. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus did not announce any decisions on the rotation before Tuesday's game against the Yankees, but he said Monday that he expected a decision before Sanchez and Matthew Boyd make their final spring outings Thursday against the Orioles.