The Detroit Tigers have optioned right-handed pitcher Luke Putkonen to Triple-A to free up a roster spot for Thursday starter Jacob Turner, according to Tigers media relations director Brian Britten:
Tigers optioned Putkonen to Toledo following tonight's game. Turner will be recalled on Thursday.
— Brian Britten (@BBritten_Tigers) June 21, 2012
Putkonen, who hadn't appeared in a game since May 22, was an obvious candidate to be sent down. In 7.1 innings of relief this season, he gave up seven earned runs and had six strikeouts and five walks. He had an 8.59 ERA.
Turner, a righty, was 2-1 in seven Triple-A starts for Toledo this season. He averaged 6.0 innings per start and had a 3.43 ERA. In three starts last season for the Tigers, Turner was 0-1 with an 8.53 ERA.
The St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday's opponent, are the fourth highest-scoring team in the league.
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