DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have purchased the contract of right-hander Buck Farmer, calling him up from Double-A Erie to start Wednesday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Detroit optioned right-hander Kevin Whelan to Triple-A Toledo, and Erie catcher Ramon Cabrera was claimed off waivers by the Pirates.
Farmer was called up to make his major league debut after injuries to Anibal Sanchez and Justin Verlander -- and Sunday's 19-inning game that required a relief appearance by Rick Porcello -- left Detroit's starting rotation in a bit of a mess. Farmer has spent most of this season at Class A West Michigan before making two starts for Erie.