:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59530161/usa_today_10634762.0.jpg)
Right-handed reliever Johnny Barbato will be the newest call up for the Detroit Tigers, according to Tigers PR. Barbato will join the team from the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens ahead of Thursday’s game against his former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In a corresponding move, utility player Mike Gerber has been optioned back to Toledo.
Barbato came to the Tigers in 2018 after being designated for assignment by the Pirates in January. During the 2017 season he posted a 4.08 ERA with the Pirates in 28.2 relief innings, a significant improvement over his 7.62 ERA with the Yankees in 2016.
So far in 2018 Barabato has done well in Toledo. In six games he has a 2.35 ERA and six hits. The Tigers are hoping he can provide some more consistency in their floundering bullpen.
Mike Gerber maintained a .000/.000/.000 line with only two at-bats during his limited major league time with the Tigers. In Toledo he has hit for .196/.250/.357.