Hanifee will serve as the Tigers' opener in Saturday's game against the Athletics.
Hanifee has posted an impressive 1.47 ERA and 0.98 WHIP through 18.1 innings in the majors this season, and he'll now be trusted to make his second career MLB start. He will likely be removed from the game after an inning or two, at which point Brant Hurter is expected to pitch in bulk relief.