Anthony Fenech

Detroit Free Press

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Anibal Sanchez officially is back on track.

After throwing 45 pitches over three innings of a simulated game against minor leaguers in Tiger Town this morning, manager Brad Ausmus said the Detroit Tigers right-hander will make his spring debut Monday, against the Philadelphia Phillies.

“He looked good,” Ausmus said. “He looked sharp.”

Sanchez allowed one hit, according to a team official who was scoring the game, struck out six and walked none. He threw 27 pitches for strikes.

Sanchez has been working his way back to the mound after getting shut down with lower right triceps inflammation Feb. 22. It was a lengthy process to get back on the mound -- he was sidelined for a week, then threw multiple long-toss and bullpen sessions -- but it appears he still could have enough time to build up his arm strength before the regular season starts in early April.

On a four-days-of-rest schedule, Sanchez would be in line for three Grapefruit League starts. He also could stay back in Tiger Town to throw another simulated game after the Tigers head to Miami, then rejoin the team in Detroit.

Because of a first-week off day, the team won’t need a fifth starter until its seventh game of the season.

Sanchez, 31, is a key cog in the Tigers’ starting rotation, and he hasn't been able to stay healthy. In 2015, Sanchez posted a 4.99 ERA in 25 starts, allowing an American League-high 29 home runs. He missed the final month and a half of the season with a shoulder injury.

Tigers� Sanchez aiming for 2013 form and better results

Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech.