Kenta Maeda struck out two in a perfect inning Saturday in his first outing since moving to the pen.

Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch informed right-hander Kenta Maeda this week that he will begin the season in the team’s bullpen.

Kenta Maeda was tagged for five runs and three homers in four innings against the Yankees on Monday.

Kenta Maeda pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts against the Rays on Tuesday.