The Tigers recalled pitcher Dontrelle Willis shortly before their game against Seattle on Wednesday night and placed reliever Clay Rapada on the 15-day disabled list with biceps tendinitis.

Manager Jim Leyland said Willis will pitch out of the bullpen initially, and eventually return to the rotation. Right-hander Armando Galarraga _ the man who replaced him _ will remain in the starting rotation.

Willis, on the disabled list because of a hyperextended right knee since April 12, went 1-1 with 4.41 ERA in three rehab starts at Triple-A Toledo. He won his most recent start after allowing a run and five hits while striking out four in six innings Saturday at Columbus.

He came to the Tigers in an offseason trade along with slugger Miguel Cabrera, but has pitched just five innings for the club. He left during the first inning of his second start at Chicago after he slipped off the mound while delivering a pitch.

Leyland said he hoped the time in the bullpen would give the lefty time to "get Dontrelle Willis back to the Dontrelle Willis we know."

Galarraga (3-1), who shares the team lead for wins, is scheduled to start Friday against Minnesota's Boof Bonser.

Rapada (2-0) appeared in 13 games after being recalled from Toledo on April 11. He had a 4.50 ERA in 10 innings.