DETROIT -- After Sunday's 7-3 win against the White Sox, the Tigers announced they've optioned rookie right-hander Joe Jimenez to Triple-A Toledo. In his place, left-hander Chad Bell will be recalled in time for Monday's game against Cleveland at Comerica Park.
In five relief appearances with Detroit this season, Jimenez, 22, has a 12.43 ERA in 4 1/3 innings, earning one save and striking out five while also giving up two home runs. In his most recent outing, on Friday against the White Sox, he gave up three hits and two runs in one inning while striking out two.
Jimenez heads back to Toledo, where he's pitched five scoreless innings and allowed just three hits and two walks this season.
"There is also something to be said for the fact that even if you go through it in the Minor League level, failing at the big league level is different," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Saturday. "The microscope's a little bit more powerful. Many more people watching. The impact is greater."
Bell, 28, comes up to Detroit for the first time in his career, having pitched in the Minors since 2010. He was a 14th-round selection by the Rangers in 2009 and joined the Tigers' organization last May in a trade that sent catcher Bobby Wilson to Texas.
In 21 2/3 innings (four starts) with the Mud Hens this season, Bell has a 1.25 ERA and 25 strikeouts. He gives Detroit a third lefty reliever against the Indians, a team that featured three left-handed hitters in its starting lineup on Sunday and poses matchup issues for many opponents.