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Putkonen begins Class A rehab assignment

DETROIT -- The Tigers could get some long relief help for the stretch run if Luke Putkonen continues to progress. The right-hander began a Minor League rehab assignment with Class A West Michigan on Thursday, his first game action since early May.

Putkonen went on the disabled list April 19 with right elbow inflammation. It looked like a short stint when he went on a rehab assignment in early May, but a setback at Triple-A Toledo had sidelined him ever since.

With Minor League seasons wrapping up, it's not going to be a long rehab stint for Putkonen. West Michigan is headed for the Midwest League playoffs, so its season will be extended.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason.
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