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KEY ROSTER MOVE
The Tigers needed to make room for new 3B Wilson Betemit on the roster. There was one easy way to do so. DFA the man he's replacing.
Inge designated for assignment. Will accept assignment to Toledo assuming he clears waivers.
Dave Dombrowski announced the decision after the game. Brandon Inge confirmed to the media he has agreed to report to the Mud Hens if he passes through waivers. Inge also added he "will be back in September."
I'm surprised, yet not surprised, if that makes sense. It's the logical move, though I really didn't believe the Tigers would do it. But Brandon Inge's struggles didn't leave the Tigers much choice. What has me somewhat flabbergasted is Inge agreeing to report to Toledo.
I don't think I've ever heard of a ten year vet with a multi-million dollar contract accept such an assignment. As any team plucjking Inge off of waivers would be on the hook for the remainder of his contract, it's almost assured Inge will be wearing a Mud Hens uni in a couple of weeks.
In the post game, Inge said owner Mike Ilitch did not want him to leave the organization, which has almost everything to do with his accepting an assignment to Toledo. As we've seen with the Detroit Red Wings, Ilitch takes care of his favorites. Inge is obviously in Mr. I's good graces.
We'll have more about the Brandon Inge saga on BYB soon.
KEY STAT
David Purcey pitches/strikes: 16/4
Purcey came on for Lester Oliveros to start the 7th, with the Tigers holding a 5-3 lead. Purcey left the game 16 pitches and three walks later, leaving a bases loaded, no out mess for Joaquin Benoit to try and clean up. Thanks to three seeing eye hits from the A's, Benoit didn't. The inning ended with the A's leading 7-5.
Why can't the Tigers' left handed relievers (save for Phil Coke) THROW STRIKES? Is it too much to ask? Apparently so.
I also have to add what Dave Dombrowski had to say about Purcey when he announced the Scott Sizemore trade:
"We've tried to get David Purcey for a long time"
KEY PLAY
Victor Martinez grounding into a double play to end the 7th inning.
With one out, Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera singled, bringing Martinez to the plate. As Martinez had clubbed a two RBI double to give the Tigers a 5-3 lead in his last at-bat, the A's brought on Craig Breslow out of the pen to face him. Breslow induced Martinez to ground into a rally crushing 5-4-3 double play.
Hey, give Breslow credit. He threw strikes.
Key thoughts and Inge intrigue are after the jump...
KEY THOUGHTS
David Purcey is on my list.
Duane Below was, well, OK in his big league debut. Meaning he wasn't bad at all. Below threw five innings, allowing five hits and three runs, only one earned. He left the game after Hideki Matsui homered to lead off the 6th.
A 5th starter is supposed to keep your team in the game, giving them a shot at winning in the later innings. Below did exactly that, and I would not be surprised if he remained in the rotation for another start. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers ultimately traded for a starting pitcher. Until that happens, I'm guessing we'll see Below again.
Speaking of trades, the Tigers seem to be in need of middle relief...as Purcey is still on my list.
There was some mid game intrigue regarding one Brandon Inge.
The News' Bob Wojnowski, via Twitter:
Unless my eyes, and my binoculars, deceive me, no sign of Brandon Inge in Tigers dugout. Post-game should be interesting.
MLB's Jason Beck confirmed it:
@blessyouboys Been watching most of game, including when players get up to congratulate on runs. No sign of Inge.
Was Inge pouting in the locker room? Had he left the stadium? Was this...IT?
No. Not yet, anyway.
Inge now in the dugout. brought bats with him... the guess is he was hitting in the cage and preparing himself in case he's needed.
But it turned out of the social media conspiracy theorists really were onto something, as Inge was DFA'ed.
Purcey? Still on my list. Want off of it? THROW STRIKES.
If there was a silver lining on the night, it was the Tigers remaining in a tie for 1st place in the Central. The Twins did the Tigers a solid, beating the Tribe 7-5.
Lets get ready for a roller coaster ride. The next seven games are on the road, four with the Twins and three against the White Sox. I suggest loading up on antacid.