Pelfrey lost 25 pounds in the offseason and hopes to lose more during spring training to regain flexibility, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey, who went 4-10 with a 5.19 ERA in 2016, is competing for a rotation spot this spring. However, he is likely destined to begin the season in the bullpen. Perhaps the conditioning will help him improve his stats, but Pelfrey offers very little fantasy value either way, especially if he's working as a long reliever.

Pelfrey will stretch out during spring training and is set to compete for a rotation spot, Jason beck of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey made 22 starts for the Tigers last season but struggled mightily before being moved to the bullpen in late September. He went 4-10 as a starter with a 5.19 ERA and he allowed 14 home runs in 112.2 innings. While it appears he'll be given a shot to rejoin the rotation, he'd have to beat out the likes of lefty Matt Boyd or Buck Farmer over the course of spring training.

Pelfrey appeared in long relief Sunday against Kansas City and allowed three hits, including a home run, and two earned runs in 2.0 innings of work. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

His numbers overall this season are just plain terrible, so this line really doesn't surprise. His WHIP is a putrid 1.73 and his ERA is rank at 5.07, especially considering his FIP is actually higher at 5.21. Pelfrey's season smells worse than that empty salmon can you left under your buddy's car seat last summer. Don't let him stink up your fantasy roster as you close out the season.

Pelfrey (4-10) was horrendous in his first start since Jul. 31, giving up four runs on five his in just 1.2 innings with one strikeout and no walks in Thursday's loss to the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey wasn't supposed to throw more than 60 pitches in his return from a back injury, but lasted just 36 due to his ineffectiveness. With a 5.00 ERA and a woeful 4.08 K/9, the veteran shouldn't be on fantasy radars even if the Tigers give him another start.

Pelfrey is unlikely to throw more than around 60 pitches in his start Thursday against the Twins, Evan Woodberry of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It doesn't sound as though Pelfrey is facing a hard pitch count in his start, but he hasn't pitched at the major league level since the end of July and so he'll likely be somewhat limited. He's slotting into the rotation this time around with Jordan Zimmermann skipped this week, but Pelfrey will likely head back to the bullpen after Thursday.

Pelfrey is scheduled to be the starting pitcher against the Twins on Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

A one-start opening was opened up after the Tigers decided to have Jordan Zimmermann pitch a simulated game prior to starting another contest, and manager Brad Ausmus decided to give Pelfrey the ball. The right-hander's numbers haven't been great this season (4.76 ERA and 4.1 K/9), so there's a decent chance he'll head back to the bullpen following Thursday's start.

Pelfrey (back) was activated from the 15-day DL on Sunday

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey may be back on the active roster, but whether or not he returns to the rotation may not have yet been decided. Detroit is expected to start Justin Verlander on Monday, followed by Matt Boyd and Anibal Sanchez. From there, the Tigers are off Thursday, so they have some flexibility with their rotation options after that. Pelfrey displayed shades of his old self in his most recent rehab outing, but it's still possible he starts out in long relief.

Pelfry (back) threw 60 pitches in 3.1 innings for the Toledo Mud Hens on Saturday. He gave up five runs on nine hits.

EDGE Analysis

It was Pelfrey's second rehab start. His velocity was good and four of the hits were of the infield variety. The Tigers need to determine if he needs another start or if they should activate him, but the latter means he'll head to the pen. The Tigers don't have any room in the rotation right now and even if they did, that spot would be held for Jordan Zimmerman who is due back soon.

Pelfrey (back) is slated to start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Pelfrey has been able to work through bullpen sessions without incident, so he's now ready to embark on the next step in his recovery. The club had previously indicated the pitcher would need at least two rehab starts, but a clearer timetable should become available after seeing how the 32-year-old responds to Monday's outing.

Pelfrey (back) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

It sounds like Pelfrey incorporated all of his pitches in the side session -- he said he threw the "kitchen sink" -- and the right-hander will get back onto elevated ground Sunday for more work. He seems to be inching close to a rehab assignment but the Tigers have already said that Pelfrey will require multiple rehab starts, so early-September seems like a best-case scenario for his return.