VerHagen was optioned to Triple-A Toledo to begin the season.

No surprise here, but VerHagen and Kyle Lobstein may become more important to the Tigers in the short term if Justin Verlander (triceps) is unable to return from the disabled list April 12 against Cleveland as expected.

VerHagen will be stretched out as a starter during spring training, the Detroit News reports.

Along with Kyle Lobstein, VerHagen is slated to offer depth to the Tigers' rotation as a likely starter at Triple-A Toledo to begin the year. Long term, VerHagen projects as a sinkerballing innings eater, as he's frequently able to induce weak contact even though he doesn't get opposing hitters to whiff often.

VerHagen will be called up from Triple-A Toledo and transferred to the 60-day DL prior to Tuesday's game against the Indians, MLive.com's Chris Iott reports.

Moving VerHagen to the 60-day DL on the major league roster will allow the Tigers to add catcher James McCann to their 40-man roster as a September call-up. VerHagen supplied a 3.67 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 110.1 innings at Toledo prior to seeing his season end due to injury.

Drew VerHagen will undergo an MRI on his lower left side.

He could also receive a bone scan. VerHagen evidently must have been injured while making his major league debut on Saturday. He's since been optioned to Triple-A.

Tigers optioned RHP Drew VerHagen to Triple-A Toledo.

This move was expected. He will function as insurance in case any injuries come to the Tigers rotation.