DETROIT – The Tigers called up pitcher Thad Weber from Triple-A Toledo between games of Saturday's doubleheader against Texas.
Rick Porcello only lasted one inning of a 10-4 loss in the first game, giving up nine runs. Even with Justin Verlander pitching in the nightcap, Jim Leyland and Dave Dombrowski felt that the Tigers needed an extra long reliever with rookie Drew Smyly scheduled to start on Sunday. Duane Below, Detroit's usual long man, pitched six shutout innings Saturday in relief of Porcello.
Weber has been exclusively a starter since making one relief appearance in rookie ball in 2008, but will be in the bullpen for Detroit. He went 5-11 with a 5.65 ERA for Triple-A Toledo last year, but has won his first two starts of 2012, giving up one run in 12 innings.
To make room for Weber, the Tigers sent reliever Daniel Schlereth to Toledo. Schlereth has a 10.29 ERA in six appearances this season.
