Tigers' Warwick Saupold placed on 15-day DL, RHP Bobby Parnell called up from Toledo

Well, the Detroit Tigers are down another reliever. Right-hander Warwick Saupold was placed on the 15-day disabled list as of Wednesday with a right groin strain. As such, righty reliever Bobby Parnell was called up from Triple-A Toledo and right-handed pitcher Jose Valdez was designated for assignment to make room for him.

Saupold's injury looked pretty bad at the time. He was fielding a diving throw from Miguel Cabrera that was thrown wide, when he reached far to his left in an attempt to glove the ball. The ball sailed past Saupold and he didn't even get a foot on the bag before falling into a heap, grabbing his right groin in pain.

He was able to leave the field under his own power, but only just. Saupold was barely able to make it down the steps and Alex Wilson came on in relief. There's been no word as to the severity of his injury, but that clarification will likely be made prior to Wednesday night's game.

With Saupold on the DL, Parnell takes his place in an already struggling bullpen. A once-solid reliever for the New York Mets before going down with Tommy John surgery, Parnell had signed with the Tigers this offseason on a minor league deal, before granting him his unconditional release on March 28 -- a move made because the team would've had to either add Parnell to the 40-man roster if he didn't opt out of his contract.

Parnell ended up coming back two days later on another minors deal, though, and has pitched to the tune of a 3.98 ERA in Toledo. In his 20 1/3 innings pitched, Parnell has allowed 12 runs (nine earned) on 21 hits. He's allowed just one home run, though, walking 11 and striking out 19.

During his eight years with the Mets, Parnell held a 3.78 ERA and a 3.29 FIP, striking out an average of eight batters per nine. He'd hoped to work his way back to the majors after the Mets let him go, and it appears he'll now get that chance.