Reports that outfielder Ryan Raburn had been called up to Detroit from Triple-A Toledo trickled out late last night. Who was the source? Raburn himself, who told the press about the move after the Mud Hens' 3-1 loss to Louisville.
Jon Paul Morosi confirms the move via a Tigers source in this morning's Detroit Free Press.
So that presents a question: Who is Ryan Raburn replacing on Detroit's major league roster? Is he taking Craig Monroe's spot? If so, what's the deal with C-Mendo? Is he going on the disabled list because of his nagging left knee injury? Is he about to be traded?
How about Marcus Thames? He was taken out of yesterday's game after the fourth inning, but that was presumably because Jim Leyland wanted Sean Casey in the game once Cleveland took C.C. Sabathia out.
An adjustment will have to be made to the Tigers' 40-man roster, as well, since Raburn wasn't on it and needs his contract purchased by the team. Is Vance Wilson being moved to the 60-day disabled list, since he's now out for the season? Has the team said adios to Roman Colon, after he was arrested for assaulting Jason Karmuth? Or was someone else on the roster traded?
Stay tuned.
Raburn's stats with the Mud Hens this season were .292/.394/.540 with 17 home runs, 68 RBI, and 12 stolen bases.