As it turns out, Todd Jones was so awful on Friday night because his shoulder is still bothering him. Or the 38 pitches he threw in that outing brought the soreness back. Whatever the reason, the Tigers put him back on the 15-day disabled list today. This isn't a repeat. I'm not trying to recycle posts to keep the site updated during these dog days of August.
So much for being able to dismiss injuries in causing Jones's struggles. Still, as was the case with his previous DL stint, you have to wonder if this is something the Tigers did to prevent putting Jones through the indignity of being designated for assignment.
Here's the head-scratching follow-up move: To replace Jones on the major league roster, the Tigers called up Gary Glover from Triple-A Toledo. Not Clay Rapada. Or Francisco Cruceta. Or Ian Ostlund. Or Casey Fien. Gary Glover. Maybe your reaction was the same as mine: Who the $#@% is Gary Glover? I didn't even know he was in the Tigers' organization.
Actually, he wasn't before last week. Glover signed with the Tigers on August 9. Before that he was with the Tampa Bay Rays, who released him after allowing 42 hits in 34 innings, during which he compiled a 1-2 record and 5.82 ERA. In his last two appearances with Tampa, he allowed 10 runs (and nine hits) in 1 2/3 innings. Gee, why do you think the Rays released him?
Glover's career record is 28-25 with a 5.02 ERA. In three appearances with the Mud Hens (covering four innings), he allowed no runs, along with three hits and four strikeouts.
I don't get this move at all. I wonder if even Jim Leyland is flabbergasted and shocked at this one. Why not give some of these younger relievers a look? Are the Tigers worried about using up minor league options or burning up service time? Why not get a look at the future and start planning for next year, instead of calling up a journeyman reliever who hasn't done anything of note with any of his previous employers? Oh, he throws strikes? Yes, and batters mash them.
What the hell is going on here?