Brayan

Villarreal

Saturday’s starter Adam Wilk will replace him on the active roster. Villarreal has didn’t allow a run in either of his first two relief appearances this season.

He replaces Adam Wilk, who replaced him earlier this month, on the roster. Villareal will work the middle innings.

Villarreal is going to be on the Detroit-to-Toledo-and-back shuttle all year long. This is already the fourth time this year that he’s hopped rosters. In this case, he’s making room for Doug Fister, who was activated from the disabled list. He’ll be back soon.

“Villarreal is throwing the ball as well as anyone this spring,” said Tigers manager Jim Leyland.” After Villarreal was sent to the minors last season, the organization advised him to add a change-up to his repertoire. His updated arsenal has served him well as he battles for a major league roster spot.

Villarreal will serve as additional depth in the bullpen until the Tigers need a fifth starter.

Villarreal was unavailable over the weekend after tweaking his neck during a workout. It’s not known if he’ll require a stint on the disabled list.

Villarreal hadn’t appeared in a game since last Sunday because of inflammation in his pitching elbow. The right-hander now boasts a 2.35 ERA and 1.00 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 38 1/3 innings for the Tigers this season.

Alburquerque now has a 3.18 ERA and 8/3 K/BB ratio over 5 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level. His 30-day rehab window expires later this month, but he could be activated sooner if Brayan Villarreal (elbow) requires a stint on the disabled list. Alburquerque has been on the disabled list all season following elbow surgery.

Villarreal will provide depth in the Tigers’ bullpen while Jose Valverde recovers from a lower back strain.

“There is for me,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said when asked if there was escalating concern regarding Villarreal’s status. “There doesn’t seem to be with some of the people, but there is for me.” Detroit is currently carrying eight relievers, in part because of Villarreal’s injury. “He’s not ready yet, which is a shock,” Leyland said. “That neck is just lingering on. I don’t know what’s going on with that.”