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John Hicks will be recalled from Triple-A Toledo on Saturday.

(Mike Mulholland, MLive)

DETROIT -- Buck Farmer is headed back to Triple-A Toledo after just one day with the Detroit Tigers.

The right-handed pitcher didn't do anything wrong; in fact, he didn't even pitch. But the Tigers simply wanted Farmer as insurance for their depleted bullpen.

They will recall first baseman/catcher John Hicks on Saturday. He will likely remain just until Monday, when Victor Martinez returns from paternity leave.

"We needed an arm to cover us. We were just short," said Tigers manager Brad Ausmus. "Hicks was originally going to come yesterday, but we decided to bring Farmer to protect us and then flip-flop them, assuming we got through this game without a problem."

Farmer will start for the Mud Hens on Saturday. It's possible that Hicks will be starting at first base for the Tigers.

Farmer, 26, has made at least one appearance for the Tigers in each of the last three seasons. He's 0-6 with a 6.84 ERA in 32 career appearances, including eight starts.

In eight starts this year at Triple-A Toledo, Farmer has struck out 47 and walked just nine in 48 2/3 innings.

Hicks, 27, is primarily a catcher, although he played first base during a 10-day stint with the Tigers earlier this year. He went 11-for-26 (.423) with three doubles and a home run after the Tigers recalled him to replace Miguel Cabrera, who was on the DL with a strained groin.

In 20 games with Toledo, Hicks has hit .333 (25-for-75) with four home runs and 21 RBIs.