Fantasy owners crossing their fingers that Tigers' pitcher Dontrelle Willis was going to turn things around this season, now have to a wait a bit longer.  After watching the big left-hander struggle again on Monday as he walked five batters and gave up eight runs in 1 1/3 innings in an 8-2 loss to the Indians the team has optioned him to Class A Lakeland.

Manager Jim Leyland said Eddie Bonine (9-2 with a 4.48 ERA at Triple-A Toledo) is the favorite to take Willis' spot in the rotation.

Willis (0-1) has walked 21 in 11 1/3 innings as a Tiger and looks nothing like the L-Train of old. Still, it is a bit interesting that the organization is sending him all the way down to A ball.

"That's where our best support system is," general manager Dave Dombrowski told the Detroit News. "With all the facilities there, it's where we can focus on this the best." 

Willis was acquired by the Tigers the same deal they landed Miguel Cabrera. After acquiring Willis, they signed him to a three-year, $29 million contract.

At this point fantasy owners that haven't already done so should bail ship as it is unknown how long it will take for Willis to work his way back to the bigs. There are too many options out there right now to waste the roster space.