RHP Angel Nesbitt was activated from the disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Sunday. Nesbitt had been on the DL since the start of the season due to a sprained right ankle.

RHP Angel Nesbitt (sprained right ankle) began a rehab assignment with Class A Lakeland on Monday, allowing one run in two-thirds of an inning. He went on the 15-day disabled list at the start of the season, retroactive to March 25.

RHP Angel Nesbitt (sprained right ankle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 25. The timetable for his return is uncertain.

Nesbitt floundered this season with the Mud Hens (AAA), delivering a 6.52 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in 26 games.

Those results are stunning considering the quality of his arm and the spring training hype that surrounded him. But he struggles with inconsistency in both delivery and arm slot, and that delivers far too many walks. He could still turn into an eighth-inning type of pitcher, but he needs to tidy up those command and control issues to be a serious contender.

Nesbitt was optioned to Triple-A Toledo after Friday's game.

The 24-year-old gave up three runs to the Cubs on Wednesday while recording just one out (21 pitches), which brought his ERA up more than a run to 5.40. It marked the third straight appearance in which Nesbitt allowed a run. A corresponding move was not immediately announced.

Nesbitt may find himself headed to the minors when the Tigers activate Bruce Rondon. His command has become shaky of late and a stint at Triple-A might help reset his game.

In his last five appearances (4.0 IP), Nesbitt has allowed seven hits, three walks and four runs. He has struck out just a single batter in his last seven appearances. And opposing batters have feasted on him to the tune of a .389 BAA and .522 OBP over the last couple weeks. His upside remains high; he just needs a bit of time to work through the kinks. And that may come soon with Rondon close a return.

Nesbitt has quietly impressed in the Detroit bullpen so far this season and has delivered a 3.68 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 14.2 innings. His 12:2 K:BB rate is strong and his calm, cool-headed approach hints at potential for late-inning work.

Nezzy wants the ball and pounds the zone when he gets it. And when he doesn't have his stuff, the rookie has the composure to dig in and find a way to minimize the damage. These are skills that are perfect in high-leverage situations, so he could find himself there at some point this season. File his name away in leagues that count holds.

Nesbitt has officially clinched an Opening Day roster spot, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports.

Nesbitt was on the fringe for a roster spot after spending the majority of 2014 in the minors, but a 2.70 ERA and 9:6 K:BB ratio over 13.1 spring innings was good enough for him to earn the job. The 24-year-old will serve in middle relief to begin, but will have to earn his way into higher-leverage situations.

Nesbitt hs clinched an Opening Day bullpen spot with the Tigers, MLive.com's Chris Iott reports.

Nesbitt beat out lefties Kyle Ryan and Blaine Hardy for the final opening in the Tigers' relief ranks. The 24-year-old has never pitched in the majors, but took a big step forward last season while splitting time between High-A Lakeland and Double-A Erie, striking more than a batter per inning and posting a sub-1.10 WHIPs at both stops. Nesbitt isn't likely to see many high-leverage innings with the Tigers right away, but if he impresses in his first few opportunities, it's not hard to envision him moving up the pecking order quickly in what looks to be a fairly weak bullpen.

Nesbitt is in the mix for a bullpen spot for the Tigers this spring, the Detroit News reports.

He's a long shot, and one that would likely serve as a mop-up option in middle relief for the Tigers if he sticks out of camp. More likely, he'll shuttle between Triple-A Toledo and Detroit as needed.