None of the moves were of particular surprise. Once manager Brad Ausmus announced at the start of Spring Training that VerHagen and Farmer would be stretched out as starters to serve as depth option, their near futures were pegged as Mud Hens. Both had stints in Detroit last year, but as relievers.
VerHagen made 19 appearances out of the bullpen in April and early May before being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He has been healthy this spring in his return from surgery, but he's pitched just 4 2/3 innings over four appearances. He gave up four runs on five hits over 1 2/3 innings Feb.