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Katie Strang, ESPN.com 8y

Jordan Zimmerman to return to Tigers' rotation on Thursday

MLB, Detroit Tigers

DETROIT -- After standing pat at the trade deadline Monday, the Detroit Tigers are looking forward to making a huge addition to their roster on Thursday.

That's when starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann will return from the neck strain injury that has sidelined him for almost a month.

The 30-year-old Zimmermann, who had an impressive first half of the season (9-4, 3.95 ERA), is expected to bolster a rotation that has experienced little continuity this season.

"We need him to pitch well," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "There's no question about that."

Zimmermann, who made two rehab starts in the minors, is expected to throw approximately 90 pitches in Thursday's start against the Chicago White Sox. Rookie Michael Fulmer will pitch Wednesday in the second game of the series.

In addition to Zimmerman, the Tigers are eagerly anticipating the return of outfielder J.D. Martinez, who has been out since mid-June because of a fractured elbow. Martinez, who is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo, is expected to rejoin the lineup by the end of this series.

The top three pitchers are now clearly set -- ace Justin Verlander, Zimmermann and Fulmer -- with the back end of the rotation beginning to take shape.

Daniel Norris was activated off the disabled list Tuesday and optioned to Triple-A Toledo, which means Matt Boyd will get another turn in the Tigers' rotation. Mike Pelfrey, who was expected to throw a bullpen session later this week, is now headed to the disabled list because of a lower back strain, according to Ausmus. The team is optimistic that it won't be a lengthy stay on the disabled list and that he should be able to return after 15 days.

Ausmus said veteran Anibal Sanchez, who delivered arguably his best outing of the season Tuesday but has been erratic at best in 2016, will remain in the mix, at least for now.

Asked about the shakiness of the back end of the Tigers rotation, Ausmus said, "We have who we have. We're going to keep running them out there. If they pitch well, we'll keep them in the rotation. It's as simple as that. It's not rocket science."

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