Coke Sent To Toledo - Expected To Return In September

DETROIT (97.1 THE TICKET)  - Tigers veteran left hand reliever Phil Coke is being sent down to the team's top minor league team in Toledo.

The announcement came after Tuesday night's game with the Twins ... as Coke has struggled all season long.

He is 0-5 this season with an inflated ERA of 5.00, allowing 37 hits in 36 innings. Manager Jim Leyland says it's only a temporary assignment and expect to recall him on September 1st when the roster is expanded.

In the meantime, the club has recalled pitcher Jose Alvarez from the Hudhens to take Coke's spot on the roster. Alvarez has been impressive as a spot starter for the Tigers this season, between his stints in Toledo.

Tuesday night Coke pitched in relief of Porcello and quickly gave up a double to Justin Morneau - allowing two runs for the Minnesota Twins to come in and that was enough for Leyland.