Tigers option Willis to Class A Lakeland

DETROIT -- The Tigers sent struggling Dontrelle Willis down to Class A on Tuesday, hoping the former star lefty can find his control.

Detroit optioned Willis to Lakeland of the Florida State League -- and home to the Tigers' spring training camp -- a day after he matched a career high by giving eight earned runs on five walks and three hits in 1 1-3 innings against Cleveland.

Willis (0-1) has walked 21 batters in 11 1-3 innings. The 8-2 loss to the Indians came in his second start since going on the disabled list with a hyperextended right knee.

Detroit signed Willis to a $29 million, three-year deal after getting him in a trade last winter with the Florida Marlins.