Rondon appears more confident, comfortable

DETROIT -- Bruce Rondon struggled in his first three appearances with the Tigers in April and May before being sent back to Triple-A Toledo. In his return, he's shown improved command and results.

The Tigers recalled Rondon from Toledo on June 28, and he's allowed three earned runs and two walks in 5 1/3 innings with five strikeouts.

"He looks much better than the first time I saw him," manager Jim Leyland said before Rondon allowed two runs, including his first big league homer, in one inning of Wednesday night's 8-5 victory over the White Sox. "I think he's settling in a little bit, hopefully getting a little confidence. I like the way we're going to use him right now, I think that's got a chance to work for us."

While Rondon hasn't been called upon to close games like he was in his first time with the team, that doesn't mean he hasn't pitched in big situations.

"I thought the one game in Toronto [last Wednesday] was a huge game for our team, because Rondon got out [Jose] Reyes and [Jose] Bautista, and I thought that was a stepping stone, maybe," Leyland said.