Adam Wilk to start Saturday

Twitter reports this morning from the beat writers say Adam Wilk will start on Saturday for the Tigers. Apparently they must really like Duane Below right where he is.

A spot in the rotation opened Saturday when starter Doug Fister left the game with, in laymen's terms, pain around his ribs. He was placed on the disabled list Sunday, with a corresponding move of reliever Brayan Villarreal getting recalled by the Tigers.

Early speculation was on Below capturing Fister's spot in the rotation. After all, he was one of the last rotation candidates sent out of major-league camp this spring. However, the Tigers quickly indicated they'd look at other options. With both left-handers Andy Oliver and Casey Crosby stumbling in performances in front of Tigers staff on Sunday and Monday, the door was left open.

Wilk, a strike-throwing lefty without much of a ceiling, started one game for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. He went five innings, struck out six and allowed just one hit and one walk. That, apparently, was enough to convince the Tigers he deserved a second shot at the rotation.

No word what corresponding moves will be occurring this week. There may be plenty.

In semi-related news, Brandon Inge is also eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday, and Drew Smyly will need to be added to the active roster before his start against the Rays on Thursday.