The Detroit Tigers are leaning toward letting rookie starter Michael Fulmer pitch the rest of the season without an innings limit.

"We're not overly concerned," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus told Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. "We will still push him back when we have off days. But right now, it’s not like I’m looking at some date on the calendar and going, 'No way he’s getting past that date.'

"I think we can make it all the way through as long as we’re smart about it."

Fulmer, 23, has thrown 97 1/3 innings so far this season, including 15 innings in Triple-A Toledo before his call-up.

Detroit's stance would contrast with the Toronto Blue Jays' decision to move 24-year-old Aaron Sanchez to the bullpen in the midst of a breakout campaign. Both Sanchez and Fulmer sit near the top of the AL in ERA (2.71 and 2.50, respectively) and WHIP (1.13 and 1.09, respectively), with a combined record of 20-3.

"In terms of his innings and his number of pitches, we feel we are all right," Ausmus said. "And I do think with his frame and his body type that he can handle a little more stress. It's not like he’s 6-4 and 190 pounds (he's 220). We will factor that in, as well."