Tigers bring back Bonderman, Alvarez, Holaday

BOSTON -- The Tigers finished their September callups by bringing back three players who had been optioned to Triple-A Toledo within the past couple weeks. Righty Jeremy Bonderman, lefty Jose Alvarez and catcher Bryan Holaday all spent most of August in Detroit but were optioned to make room for other players.

All became eligible to return on Monday after the Mud Hens' season ended, but none will be eligible for the postseason roster unless the Tigers use an injury exemption.

Bonderman has proven to be a versatile reliever since returning to Detroit in early August, pitching in situations ranging from long relief to setup work. He has allowed four earned runs on nine hits over 14 1/3 innings, with 10 walks and 12 strikeouts.

Alvarez made a few spot starts but returned to Detroit as a lefty reliever in mid-August while Phil Coke went to Toledo for a week and a half to work on his pitching. Alvarez gives Detroit a third left-hander in the bullpen alongside Coke and Drew Smyly.

Holaday will be the third catcher, behind Alex Avila and Brayan Pena. He spent two weeks as Pena's backup in August while Avila was on the disabled list with a concussion.