Seeking bullpen help, Tigers recall Ferrell, Valdez
DETROIT -- The Tigers provided more depth to their taxed bullpen with two more callups. Right-handers Jeff Ferrell and Jose Valdez joined the Tigers at Comerica Park on Friday night, recalled from Triple-A Toledo for their latest big league stints.
The 24-year-old Ferrell hit Detroit on the fast track in July, when the Tigers tried to translate a solid half-season as Double-A Erie's closer into another big league arm for a bullpen that needed depth even back then. He saved 12 games in 13 chances for the SeaWolves, striking out 35 batters against four walks over 27 innings, but he made just two one-inning appearances for Detroit on July 4-5 before being optioned.
Ferrell gave up three runs on four hits over those two Major League innings. He joined the bullpen at Toledo, where he gave up six runs on eight hits over 11 1/3 innings. He became the Mud Hens' closer last week, finishing with four saves in as many chances.
In the Tigers' 8-1 loss to the Indians on Friday, Ferrell allowed two runs in two innings of relief.
Video: CLE@DET: Miggy retires Sands with the bases loaded
Ferrell was announced as one of seven Tigers headed to the Arizona Fall League next month. However, the Tigers never ruled him out as a September callup.
Valdez, a hard-throwing reliever with a biting slider, made his Major League debut on July 31 and gave up two runs on three hits at Baltimore without retiring a batter. He rejoined the Tigers Aug. 20, but returned to Toledo the next day without appearing in a game.
Valdez also appeared in Friday's game in relief, working two scoreless innings.
Video: CLE@DET: Valdez strikes out Gomes looking in the 9th
The pair join a Tigers bullpen that has been used heavily. The Royals scored nine runs on 13 hits over seven innings against Tigers relievers Thursday night, after giving up four runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings Wednesday. Tigers pitchers gave up 61 runs over their six-game road trip to Toronto and Kansas City.
With expanded rosters, Detroit didn't have to make a return move, but it did anyway. Fellow right-hander Guido Knudson was optioned to Toledo. He gave up 10 runs on 13 hits over five innings, including five home runs. He became the first Major League reliever since at least 1914 to give up home runs in each of his first four big league outings without a start.