Detroit, MI -- (Sports Network) - The Detroit Tigers reinstated pitcher Dontrelle Willis from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday, though, the left-hander will not return to the rotation immediately.

Rather, the 26-year-old will be available to pitch out of Detroit's bullpen.

Willis has been sidelined since hyperextending his right knee in his second start as a Tiger on April 11 at Chicago. He has pitched in just two games this season, a total of five innings for a 7.20 earned run average. Willis has never made a relief appearance in his 164 games pitched in the majors.

For now the Tigers will continue to use right-hander Armando Galarraga in the rotation instead of Willis. The 26-year-old Galarraga, who replaced Willis once he was injured, is 3-1 with a 3.06 ERA in six games this season.

Willis started Saturday at Columbus for Triple-A Toledo as part of a rehab assignment and earned the victory after allowing one run on five hits, while walking four and striking out four in six innings. He posted a 1-1 record and a 4.41 ERA with seven walks and 11 strikeouts in three starts with Toledo.

The Tigers placed reliever Clay Rapada on the 15-day disabled list with biceps tendinitis to make room for Willis on the 25-man roster.