Logic dictated that it would probably be Robbie Ray headed down to Toledo when the Tigers activated Anibal Sanchez from the 15-day disabled list to start Sunday night's game vs. the Boston Red Sox.

After all, they'd need to keep Ray stretched out to fill in as a spot starter for injuries, and in the event of doubleheaders.

Instead, though, the Tigers sent reliever Justin Miller to Triple-A Toledo, keeping Ray.

Why? Because they'll need Ray to start in Rick Porcello's spot on Thursday. Porcello is experiencing soreness in his left side after Saturday night's start, much the same issue that cut short his previous start. Rather than start on turn Thursday, Porcello will be pushed back to Saturday, giving him an extra couple of days' rest.

Manager Brad Ausmus told reporters they were exercising "an overabundance of caution" to keep Porcello's issue from lingering.

Ausmus said after Ray's second of two big-league starts, on Mother's Day, that the best thing for his development would be for him to be starting. He'll get another start as a fill-in, then ostensibly head back down to stay stretched out.