Hanifee will serve as the Tigers' opener during Thursday's game against the Mariners.
Hanifee has allowed two earned runs in four innings since having his contract selected from Triple-A on Aug. 1, and he'll now make his first MLB start after pitching the ninth inning of Wednesday's contest. The 26-year-old righty worked primarily as a starter throughout his minor-league career up until this season and is still capable of pitching multiple innings, but he will likely be pulled after a frame or two Thursday for Kenta Maeda, who is expected to pitch in bulk relief.