Tigers calling up Triple-A closer Guido Knudson

Update: Guido Knudson has been officially called up by the Tigers.

Original: The Detroit Tigers are calling up Triple-A right-handed closer Guido Knudson from the Mud Hens, sources have confirmed. Triple-A right hander Jose Valdez will also be recalled to help bolster the Tigers' bullpen.

Late Wednesday evening, Knudson received five words that tied the ribbon on the journey for the established closer.

"You're going to the show."

In 30 games with the Toledo Mud Hens, Knudson is maintaining a 2.52 ERA with 40 strikeouts posted over 39 innings of work. He has notched 10 of his 12 save opportunities with a 1.22 WHIP.

Following spring training this season, Knudson began his season with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves. In eight games, Knudson had worked 17.1 innings, striking out 16 and securing his one save opportunity with a 3.12 ERA.

Knudson received his ticket to Toledo in May and has since been plugged in as a primary closer for the Mud Hens. In July and August, Knudson notched all nine of his save opportunities, striking out 17 in 19 2/3 innings of work. Players and coaches alike have noticed an increased mound presence by Knudson of late.

Knudson came on the scene as the Tigers' 28th-round selection in the 2011 MLB Draft, following a successful career at the University of California at San Diego.

For 26-year-old Guido Knudson, the journey through the lower levels of the Detroit Tigers franchise has in no way been a shotgun ride to the top. Managing to stay surprisingly incognito, Knudson stepped into the spotlight this season and came through a sharper, more commanding presence, which has forced others to take notice.

Though the numbers may not jump off the page and hit you in the face, Knudson has increased his attack on the plate enough to provide a presence of consistency that the Tigers bullpen has not known for far too long.