Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Saturday that he would like to find a consistent position in the bullpen for pitcher Drew Smyly after fellow left-hander Phil Coke was activated from the disabled list. Smyly's workload has fluctuated since he earned a spot on the opening-day roster as a long reliever after losing the competition for the No. 5 starter job.
The hard-throwing south-paw tossed 1 2/3 innings for the second time in the past three games Saturday against Cleveland, just his third appearance this month. His two runs allowed matched his highest total of the season.
"We really have to get a situation ironed out as far as [Drew] Smyly is concerned," Leyland told MLB.com before the game. "He's doing a fantastic job, obviously. If you can have two of those lefties available each night, it's a good thing, but I also want him to pitch. So it's a little tricky."