Left-handed reliever Darin Downs was recalled by the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. He could have a shot at the postseason roster should he pitch more effectively than Phil Coke and Jose Alvarez over the final three weeks of the season.
“When you thought your season was over…But wait there’s more,” Downs tweeted from @DDowns99.
Downs began establishing himself in the bullpen this season before trying to pitch through shoulder problems. He eventually went on the disabled list, and was sent to Triple-A Toledo after his rehabilitation assignment with that club. Downs posted a 2.30 ERA and an excellent 0.94 WHIP for the Mud Hens, and struck out 12 with six walks in 15 2/3 innings.
He has been watched closely by the Tigers after resuming pitching in games for Toledo six weeks ago.
Downs was 0-2 with a 5.18 ERA and 37 strikeouts with 10 walks in 26 games for the Tigers this season. However, he had a 2.82 ERA through May before struggling and eventually going on the mend after his last appearance with Detroit on July 6.
Coke (0-5, 4.82 ERA) hasn’t pitched enough to get a read on since returning from Toledo. He’s given up two singles and one walk in 1 1/3 innings over four outings.
Alvarez (1-4, 5.57 ERA) had given up seven earned runs in 2 2/3 innings over his last two outings before pitching well Monday night. Alvarez allowed one hit, two walks and struck out four in three scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox.
Downs will join the Tigers in Chicago for Tuesday night’s game.
