Corey Knebel recalled, Chad Smith optioned to Triple-A Toledo

With a day-night doubleheader on tap and the need for all bullpen arms on deck, the Detroit Tigers recalled right-hander Corey Knebel from Triple-A Toledo. Chad Smith's 37 pitch ninth inning Friday night made him unavailable for today's action, so the Tigers sent the 24-year-old right-hander back to Toledoo to make room for Knebel.

Called up when the Tigers sent Robbie Ray back to the minors in May, the 22-year-old Knebel posted a 6.75 ERA and 2.03 FIP in six appearances covering 6 2/3 innings, allowing  eight hits and three walks while striking out eight. He was sent down June 15 when the Tigers purchased the contract of left-handed relief pitcher Blaine Hardy from Triple-A Toledo. During his time with the Mud Hens, Knebel has a 4-1 record in 25 appearances, posting a 1.62 ERA in 33 1/3 innings.

When Evan Reed was designated for assignment during the last relief pitcher crisis (after short, subpar outings from Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander fried the bullpen), Smith got the callup from Detroit June 18. In ten games covering 10 2/3 innings, Smith posted a 5.40 ERA while surrendering seven runs on 15 hits, striking out nine.

In an additional bookkeeping move, the Tigers created space on the 40-man roster for this afternoon's starting pitcher Drew VerHagen by transferring the contract of Joel Hanrahan to the 60-day DL. Being Hanrahan has already been on the disabled list for more than 60-days, it does not affect his status as to when he can be called up.