Todd Jones activated, Chris Spurling sent to Toledo

[Dannomyte]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Detroit Tigers activated closer Todd Jones from the 15-day disabled list Thursday, and he will be available for the first time this year in a three-game weekend series against the Mariners in Seattle.

Jones, who pitched simulated games Tuesday and Wednesday in Oakland, missed the start of the season with a pulled left hamstring. Initially, manager Jim Leyland might use Jones in a non-save situation so he doesn't face the pressure of the ninth inning and has a chance to find his rhythm.

Jones, a right-hander who turns 38 next week, pulled a hamstring in a 4-3 exhibition victory over Tampa Bay the weekend leading up to opening day.

The Tigers optioned right-handed reliever Chris Spurling to Triple-A Toledo.

"He needs to work things out. It's not the end of the world for him," Leyland said.


http://www.mlive.com/sportsflash/baseba ... ichiganmlb

[bball123]

Thats good to know!!

[bball123]

He got a save his first game back, this also means dump Rodney in most leauges.

[mcqfesijiba]

Interesting that they kept Tata, but he has clearly been better in the bullpen than Spurling. Spurling is a decent bullpen arm when he's sharp, so hopefully he gets everything worked out, and the team can then send Tata back to the minors to get some starts.

[moochman]

Jones comes in for a save and it's deja vu all over again. He loads the bases and squeaks out a save. Next night Rodney comes out and Ks two of the three hitters he faces for an easy save.

How can Leyland keep Tata and allow Jones to close games? Assuiming Jones keeps looking so ordinary. It may be a little premature to dump Rodney just yet.

[mcqfesijiba]

Jones comes in for a save and it's deja vu all over again. He loads the bases and squeaks out a save. Next night Rodney comes out and Ks two of the three hitters he faces for an easy save.

How can Leyland keep Tata and allow Jones to close games? Assuiming Jones keeps looking so ordinary. It may be a little premature to dump Rodney just yet.

To be fair it was Jones first game back and first regular season game of the year. Lets give him a few more games before we throw him on the trash heap. As we saw last night, Rodney will still be playing a prominent role as they don't overwork Jones early on, and even after that, he'll be the set up man. I want Jones to do well. It will stretch out the bullpen.

At the same time, I do wonder how much Leyland would put up with Jones in the closer role if Jones doesn't get much better than he was in his first appearance. Leyland has shown stubborness with the Shelton situation (refusing to move him up while throwing out bums in the #5 hole), but at the same time he has made bold moves to give the team it's best chance to win such as keeping rookie Tata over Spurling.

[spartybasketball]

Jones comes in for a save and it's deja vu all over again. He loads the bases and squeaks out a save. Next night Rodney comes out and Ks two of the three hitters he faces for an easy save.

How can Leyland keep Tata and allow Jones to close games? Assuiming Jones keeps looking so ordinary. It may be a little premature to dump Rodney just yet.

To be fair it was Jones first game back and first regular season game of the year. Lets give him a few more games before we throw him on the trash heap. As we saw last night, Rodney will still be playing a prominent role as they don't overwork Jones early on, and even after that, he'll be the set up man. I want Jones to do well. It will stretch out the bullpen.


At the same time, I do wonder how much Leyland would put up with Jones in the closer role if Jones doesn't get much better than he was in his first appearance. Leyland has shown stubborness with the Shelton situation (refusing to move him up while throwing out bums in the #5 hole), but at the same time he has made bold moves to give the team it's best chance to win such as keeping rookie Tata over Spurling.

A couple things to point out here.
1. Rodneys is in the back up reliver role and will fill in anytime Jones gets in a jam they may even stick with Rodney with his numbers so far or go half anf half.
2. Leyland sent down Spurling because he wants the best 12 picthers he fells at this point that Tata has better potential and is producing better numbers. Spurling has potential but just needs to calm down and throw strikes.
3. The Tigers bullpen. Wow! 1st in the Al for opponet avg. 2nd for era. and 2nd for every else good stat
4. Thier riding a 4 game win streak! As well as 2 straight series win because of this bullpen. In this streak thier avg about 1.7 runs allowed!
5. Is anyone really excited about seeing the top 2 picthing prospects in all MLB going head to head. Wow what a game it will be~!