Tigers roster moves: Darin Downs DL, Evan Reed recalled

Tigers left-handed reliever Darin Downs was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with rotator-cuff tendinitis. Right-handed reliever Evan Reed was recalled from Triple-A Toledo.

Downs had been an effective reliever for the Tigers for the first two months of the season. He began to struggle a bit in June. Since allowing three runs in a loss to the Twins on June 15, Downs has given runs in five of seven appearances. He allowed two more runs to the Indians Saturday. During that timeframe his ERA rose from 3.13 to 5.18.

Reed allowed eight runs in six games this year, but just three of them were earned. None of the four runs given up on June 25 were earned, but that appearance may have bought his ticket back to Toledo. It's the last time he saw MLB action.

Now if he can just make it to Cleveland in time ...

Hens are at home, so #Tigers are hoping to get Reed across the Ohio Turnpike in time for today's game.

— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 7, 2013

Overall, the Tigers bullpen seems to be settling in a bit after roster moves made in the last two weeks or so. Al Alburquerque has not allowed a run in seven games since returning to MLB action June 21. Bruce Rondon has allowed one run in four appearances since returning June 29.

The swap of Reed for Downs should have negligible effect.