For now, anyway, the winner in the battle for the fifth spot in the Tigers' starting rotation is Dontrelle Willis. Jeremy Bonderman is headed for the bullpen to try to build up his arm strength and rediscover his velocity.
     But that could change as soon as Monday, after Willis makes his next start.
     Right now, the back end of the Tigers' rotation, namely Willis and Armando Galarraga, is as shaky as the front end, featuring Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson, is strong.
     "He deserves to pitch on Sunday," Jim Leyland told reporters in Chicago on Wednesday night when he asked to explain his temporary choice of Willis over Bonderman.
     "But he better pitch good," the Tigers' manager added.
     Willis' status is that tenuous. He is winless in his last four starts with an 8.53 ERA and 16 walks in 19 innings.
     It is possible the Tigers might ask Bonderman to return to the minor leagues for more rehab. But such a move would require Bonderman's permission. "I've thought about it," he admitted  Wednesday, "but I don't know what I'd say."