Tigers call up Wilson, option Krol to Triple-A
Detroit in need of a pitcher for bullpen following brief outing by Price
DETROIT -- Ian Krol seemingly solved his issue of getting ahead in counts against hitters. He couldn't do much for the Tigers' issue of fresh arms for Thursday's series finale against the Yankees.
Thus, when the Tigers called up right-hander Alex Wilson, it was Krol -- who pitched two hitless innings against the Yankees on Wednesday night -- who became the odd man out. Krol was optioned back to Triple-A Toledo, where he ended last season before making the Opening Day roster this year.
"We need some arms in the bullpen that are pitchable," manager Brad Ausmus said Thursday morning.
Krol threw 40 pitches Wednesday night after throwing 16 pitches while giving up two home runs in one-third of an inning Tuesday. He had thrown 5 2/3 innings in all for the season, allowing three runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
Krol had seemingly established himself as the primary situational left-hander in Detroit's bullpen, with veteran Tom Gorzelanny covering longer stints. The rare brief outing from David Price Wednesday night, however, left the Tigers short. Gorzelanny was available to pitch Thursday, as was fellow lefty Blaine Hardy and right-handers Joba Chamberlain, Al Alburquerque and others. Krol was not.
"He's pitched the last two days. He wouldn't be available to pitch today," Ausmus said. "If we don't have the type of game we had yesterday, the move is probably never made."
That said, Ausmus sent Krol down Interstate 75 with instructions to work on command.
"We told him to make sure he uses all his pitches, attack the strike zone, attack the hitters," Ausmus said.
The move leaves the Tigers with two lefty relievers for a lefty-heavy Indians lineup that comes to town Friday. They took three lefty relievers into Cleveland a couple weeks ago and ended up using them all.
Ausmus said he doesn't anticipate making another move to get back to three lefty relievers in time for the Indians.
Wilson, acquired from Boston in the Yoenis Cespedes trade, spent the last couple weeks closing for Toledo, recording three saves. The 28-year-old right-hander tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings for the Mud Hens on four hits, walking one and striking out five.