Despite best efforts, Coke's struggles persist

DETROIT -- Phil Coke has watched videos of his outings. He's worked on his mechanics in bullpen sessions. He's worried about his timing to the plate.

Despite his efforts, the left-hander owns an 0-5 record, 6.18 ERA and 1.59 WHIP.

"I don't have an answer for that," manager Jim Leyland said. "I wish I did."

Coke walked three batters and gave up a home run in the eighth inning in Thursday's loss against the White Sox.

"Obviously, I'm not excited about the outcome," Coke said. "But at the same time, I'm out there trying to make as many adjustments as I possibly can without trying to overdo it."

Leyland is still trying to find another consistent arm in the bullpen to add to Joaquin Benoit and Drew Smyly. But while trying to protect close leads in the late innings, when will the Tigers have time to pitch Coke through his recent struggles?

"I would say it's more up to Phil Coke to get going than it is for me to get him going at this point," Leyland said.