Robertson placed on DL, Luke French Called Up

Robertson placed on DL
BECK'S BLOG

The Tigers not only lost a 13-inning game to the Twins Wednesday night, they also lost a versatile middle and late-inning reliever who could've helped in that game. Detroit placed left-hander Nate Robertson on the 15-day disabled list Thursday morning, retroactive to May 6, with a low back muscle strain.

To take his spot in the bullpen, the Tigers called up left-hander Luke French from Triple-A Toledo.

Robertson hadn't pitched since last Tuesday, mainly because the Tigers' starting rotation had been pitching deep enough into games that relief innings were scarce. Wednesday's game against the Twins was very much the opposite, which made Robertson's absence notable.

Robertson was the only Tigers reliever who didn't pitch in the game, which ended with Joe Crede's grand slam off Brandon Lyon in his third inning of work.

The 23-year-old French has enjoyed a solid opening inning in the Mud Hens rotation, posting a 2-2 record and 2.91 ERA in six starts with 29 strikeouts over 34 innings. He'll be in uniform in time for Thursday afternoon's series finale against the Twins at the Metrodome.

* Posted on May 14, 2009 at 9:30 AM

I wouldn't imagine they bring in French right away. They might though, since he'll be the only fresh arm almost.

That explains why he didn't pitch last night.

Who the hell is Luke French? What happened to Dolsi?

bobrob2004 wrote:

That explains why he didn't pitch last night.

Who the hell is Luke French? What happened to Dolsi?

That's right!