Is Ryan Perry already on his way back to the majors? After being optioned to Triple-A Toledo after Detroit's first game of a day-night doubleheader on Monday, the Tigers' rookie reliever is reportedly going to rejoin the team for its weekend series with the Pirates.
According to the Freep's John Lowe, Perry wasn't with the Mud Hens for their game vs. Rochester on Thursday night, and sources indicated that he was on his way to Pittsburgh. For Perry to be called back up to the majors before his 10-day minimum assignment expires would mean that someone on the Tigers' roster is going on the disabled list. And the leading candidate for that move seems to be Jeremy Bonderman, the player for whom Perry was sent down earlier this week.
Based on his performance Monday night (six runs and eight hits allowed in four innings), Bondo didn't look ready to pitch regularly in Detroit's starting rotation. And if he can't start for the Tigers, he might not be of much use to the team right now. The original plan was presumably for Bonderman to pitch out of the bullpen, but he's never worked in such a role before. Between that and his questionable physical status, perhaps the Tigers are worried that Bondo wouldn't be a reliable option in relief.
Though Perry might need some work on his control (19 walks in 23 innings), at least he's a known commodity, having already pitched in 23 games this season and compiling an 0-1 record with a 3.23 ERA.