LHP Blaine Hardy had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Toledo. Hardy, placed on the 15-day disabled list March 25 with a left shoulder impingement, made two appearances for Class A Lakeland and allowed two runs over three innings.

LHP Blaine Hardy's rehab assignment has been transferred to Triple-A Toledo. Hardy (right shoulder impingement) was placed on the disabled list March 25 and made two rehab appearances for Single-A Lakeland.

LHP Blaine Hardy began a rehab assignment Saturday, throwing one scoreless inning for Class A Lakeland. Hardy, out due to a left shoulder impingement, might be able to return to the Tigers by May 1.

LHP Blaine Hardy (left shoulder impingement) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 25. He might be able to return by May 1.

Hardy (5-3) pitched a scoreless ninth and struck out a batter in Tuesday's 2-1 extra-inning victory over the White Sox.

After a shaky start over the first three outings of the season, Hardy has been a reliable member of the Tigers bullpen. He has been particularly effective since Aug. 1, turning in scoreless efforts in 16 of 21 appearances and whiffing 16 batters over 13.2 innings during that span.

Hardy has 51 strikeouts in 56.1 innings of relief this season.

He has 11 holds, but hasn't really gotten much of a shot in save situations. There's some fantasy value in those holds and his 2.56 ERA, but those hold situations are few and far between on this dismal Tigers' squad.

Manager Brad Ausmus said Saturday that Hardy and Alex Wilson would be his primary options in closing situations, MLive.com's Chris Iott reports. "I'll probably use (Alex) Wilson at the back end, maybe (Blaine) Hardy at the back end if there are lefties," Ausmus said.

By virtue of being the right-hander, Wilson seems positioned to pick up the lion's share of save opportunities, but given the lack of appealing alternatives in the Detroit bullpen, Hardy should remain salient in the conversation for ninth-inning duties. Hardy owns a solid 2.56 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 46 innings, with his best work coming against same-handed hitters, who are batting just .182 against the lefty. Those in most mixed leagues will probably want to leave Hardy sit on the wire since he figures to be the Tigers' second choice for saves, but he should still see enough late-inning usage to retain relevance in AL-only leagues.

Hardy threw 2.1 scoreless innings Monday, retiring all seven batters, and continues to churn out quality innings.

He stranded the bases loaded Monday after entering with the bags full. His improved curveball has a lot to do with the improvements in his game. He's throwing it where he wants it and that's keeping opposing batters off balance. Long relievers don't have a lot of fantasy value, though, so admire his work as a fan, not an owner.

Hardy picked up the win Saturday for a scoreless inning of relief against the Cardinals. He struck out two and walked one.

He's a sturdy reliever who doesn't really warrant much fantasy attention -- he just isn't used much in high-leverage situations. And he probably won't see much action there anyway -- his K:BB rate (9:7) is a touch queasy and his 1.40 WHIP doesn't inspire confidence.

Hardy was recalled from Triple-A on Wednesday, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports.

With Joe Nathan (forearm) getting placed on the DL, the Tigers needed another arm for the bullpen. Look for Hardy to pitch in low-leverage situations while he is up with the big league club.

Hardy was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Friday, MLive.com's Chris Iott reports.

The left-hander was beaten out by Ian Krol and Angel Nesbitt for the final two spots in the Tigers' bullpen. Hardy. who posted a 2.54 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 39 innings with the Tigers last season, will bide his time at Triple-A until an injury to either Krol or Tom Gorzelanny necessitates the recall of another southpaw reliever.

Hardy is in the mix for a bullpen job with the Tigers this spring, the Detroit News reports.

He'll be used mostly as a LOOGY and mop-up reliever if he sticks. Kyle Ryan and Ian Krol are also pushing for a roster spot in camp to handle a simlar role if the Tigers opt to keep a second lefty behind Tom Gorzelanny.

Hardy was recalled by the Tigers on Tuesday, Chris Iott of MLive.com reports.

After a day away from the big club, Hardy will return to the Tigers to factor into the middle-relief equation. In 21 appearances this season, he's posted a 2.22 ERA, 1.356 WHIP, and 7.77 K/9 in 24.1 innings.

Hardy was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Monday, Chris Iott of MLive.com reports.

Hardy has been a bright spot in the Tigers' sketchy bullpen the last two months, recording a 2.22 ERA, 1.356 WHIP, and 21:10 K:BB in 24.1 innings. However, with 5.2 innings under his belt over the last five games, the organization has opted to call in reinforcements from Toledo. Expect his stay at the affiliate to be a brief one following the respite.