Tigers DFA Joba Chamberlain, Tom Gorzelanny, activate Alex Avila from DL

DETROIT -- Friday afternoon the Detroit Tigers made a series of moves, designating relievers Joba Chamberlain and Tom Gorzelanny for assignment as first reported by BYB's own Kurt Mensching and Catherine Slonksnis. As well, the team also activated catcher Alex Avila from the disabled list, optioning catcher Bryan Holaday to Triple-A Toledo.

With Chamberlain and Gorzelanny being DFA'd, the the team also called up right-handed pitcher Jeff Ferrell from Triple-A Toledo, as well as recalled Drew VerHagen from Double-A Erie. Avila has been on the DL since May 7 with an injury in his left knee.

VerHagen posted a 5.73 ERA in eight games between Double- and Triple-A combined, striking out eight and allowing six walks in 11 innings pitched. Ferrell appeared in just one game for the Mud Hens, converting a save with the team before being called up. Prior to that he had 17 games with Double-A, and between the two posted a 1.61 ERA with 28 innings pitched with 36 strikeouts and just four walks. He also converted 13 saves in that time.

The Tigers' bullpen had an AL-worst 4.94 ERA in the month of June, with only Alex Wilson and Al Alburquerque steadily putting up solid outings.