Danny

Patterson

“He’s had them three times this week,” pitching coach Bob Cluck said. “The other day he was able to pitch through it, but this time it was a little worse.” With Ugueth Urbina not ready and Fernando Rodney still hurting, Patterson is expected to enter the season as Detroit’s closer.

Although his last serious symptoms were experienced on Sunday, Patterson has been out for three days. He tried to work out Tuesday, but he stopped when he started to feel another headache coming on.

Patterson was 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 10 games with Triple-A Toledo.

That might be good enough for manager Alan Trammell to settle on Patterson, who is 2-for-2 in save chances, for the remainder of the season. The Tigers still view Franklyn German as their future closer.

''Nothing major,’' he said. ''I’ll be back in a day or two.’' The Tigers could have used Patterson Sunday, as they blew two leads in an extra-inning loss to the Angels.

He will likely have another bullpen session before going out on a short rehab assignment. There is no firm timetable for his return to action, but we are guessing he could be back in his setup role at Comerica within two weeks.

He could be back with the Tigers next week.

He will resume his role as one of the Tigers’ setup relievers upon his return.

Patterson has allowed three runs in 10 innings for Toledo. He’s scheduled to be activated right after the All-Star break.

Patterson had allowed four runs in six innings. The veteran might still be a capable 12th pitcher, but that’s probably all he is, and the Padres are better off keeping Blaine Neal.