Tigers Send Down Kyle Lobstein, Bring Up Evan Reed, Kyle Ryan
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
COMERICA PARK (CBS DETROIT) - Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Kyle Lobstein did everything that could be expected of him and more in his spot start Thursday, allowing only one earned run over six innings.
His efforts helped the Tigers emerge victorious over the New York Yankees in a game that concluded with a walk-off hit by catcher Alex Avila. Excitement aside, Detroit quickly got back to business after the game.
Tigers manager Brad Ausmus began his usual press conference by announcing several moves. Lobstein, as expected, will be going back to Triple-A Toledo, and for bullpen help and a spot start Saturday, the Tigers are bringing up reliever Evan Reed and starting pitcher Kyle Ryan.
Ryan will pitch the night game of Detroit's Saturday doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox.
Ausmus joked that all he knows about the 22-year-old Ryan is that he is left-handed. The numbers show Ryan has been solid recently, with a 1.64 ERA in five starts in Triple A. Before arriving in Toledo, Ryan recorded a 4.55 ERA through 21 games with Double-A Erie.
Reed has not pitched for the Tigers since June 17, partly due to his recent legal situation. He recorded a 4.88 ERA in 27 appearances for them this season. Reed's ERA since then, in 17 games for the Mud Hens, is a little bit better at 4.24, and he has not allowed a run in his last six outings.
While the Tigers bullpen has been fairly solid recently, it can use whatever help it can get because injuries, extra-inning games and doubleheaders have put extra pressure on the group in the second half. Ausmus has gotten a crash course in balancing the dueling needs of winning one game and also keeping the team in position to win future games.
The Tigers have won three of their last four, but they have a grueling stretch coming up - 14 games in the next 13 days. The first eight of those games will be on the road, and Detroit still trails the Kansas City Royals for the division lead.
