Danny Worth optioned to Toledo; Al Alburquerque starting injury rehab assignment with Lakeland

With yesterday's acquisition of Omar Infante from the Miami Marlins, the Detroit Tigers had to clear a spot on the 25 man roster for Infante before tonight's game with the Cleveland Indians. To make the needed room, Danny Worth, who has pinballed back and forth between Detroit and Toledo this season, was optioned back to the Mud Hens this afternoon.

A roster squeeze caused the other player acquired in yesterday's trade, starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez, won't come to a head until Drew Smyly is eligible to come off the disabled list.

Optioning Worth is the logical move, the trade all but making him redundant. Infante is a right hand hitting 2nd baseman, and Worth has been filling the same role with the Tigers since being recalled from Triple A in June. Worth was hitting .215 with a .325 OBP in 35 games, all but 1 at 2nd base.

The Tigers also announced relief pitcher Al Alburquerque has been assigned to Class A Lakeland to begin injury rehab. Alburquerque has been on the disabled list since being sidelined by off season surgery on his right elbow.

Before his injury woes, which included a concussion to go along with his arm issues, Alburquerque was lights out in a bullpen set up role in 2011, posting a 1.87 ERA,13.9 K/9 rate, and a 6-1 record. A healthy Alburquerque would be a huge 2nd half boost to an already solid bullpen.