Minneapolis — This move was coming.

Brant Hurter could sense it and manager AJ Hinch hinted at it before the game on Saturday.

“He’s been searching,” Hinch said. “His rhythm, his tempo, his feel. He’s done a little bit of extra mound work between outings. He’s dug in with our pitching group to try to find his cues. … We’re all aware it’s not been consistent.

“When he is consistent, he’s really tough to hit. When he’s not, there are stressful innings, even if they are scoreless innings.”

Sunday, on the day right-hander Brenan Hanifee was eligible to be recalled from his option to Triple-A Toledo, Hurter was optioned back.

The move also coincides with the Tigers opening a series against the Houston Astros on Monday, a predominantly right-handed offensive team.

“We need to get Brant Hu

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