Tigers move Jose Iglesias to the disabled list

The fallout from a rough series in Tampa Bay this week will send ripples through the Tigers’ infield and relief corps. After taking a knee to the jaw on Wednesday night during the failed double play turn that ended the game, the Detroit News reports that Jose Iglesias will move to the disabled list for post-concussion symptoms. The new 7-day disabled list for concussions, designed as part of the new concussion protocol, will be utilized for Iglesias.

The other moves the Tigers have made in advance of the weekend road series with the Minnesota Twins, are designed to bolster their struggling bullpen. In place of Iglesias, the Tigers top relief prospect, Joe Jimenez, has been recalled from the Toledo Mud Hens. Since he was optioned back to Toledo just over a week ago, Jimenez has thrown three scoreless innings for the Mud Hens. He only allowed one hit, and twice struck out the side while earning one save. As a result of the move, Jimenez’ 10 days in Toledo will count as major league service time because he won’t spend the requisite 20 games in the minor leagues.

The second move is a straight swap of relievers. Warwick Saupold has been optioned back to Toledo, where he will return to his usual starting role. In his place, the Tigers have recalled left-hander Blaine Hardy. Hardy has a 1.23 ERA in 7 ¹⁄₃ innings for the Mud Hens this season. He’s racked up seven strikeouts to one walks, and carries a WHIP of 0.68.

The moves should give manager Brad Ausmus more to work with in terms of relief help. He’ll have eight pitchers to choose from, at least until Iglesias is cleared and returns to the shortstop position. Presumably Dixon Machado will see the bulk of the action as shortstop in his stead, with Andrew Romine perhaps getting some time there as well.