Last Updated on May 26, 2007 3:53 pm by admin
DETROIT (AP) -The Detroit Tigers placed right-hander Fernando Rodney on the 15-day disabled list with biceps tendinitis on Saturday, the latest setback for their bullpen.
Detroit has been without Joel Zumaya, its other key setup man, since he had finger surgery early this month. Zumaya is expected to be out for at least two more months.
“I feel bad because the team needs me and right now I can’t pitch,” Rodney said. “I see the bullpen now and that’s why I feel bad.”
Right-hander Zach Miner was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to take Rodney’s roster spot.
The decision to put Rodney on the DL is retroactive to Monday.
“The fact is it’s been the same situation the last three days,” Detroit manager Jim Leyland said. “He feels better, but still feels a little pinch.”
Rodney is 1-4 with one save, a 4.71 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 19 games. He expects to be 100-percent healthy in a week.
En route to the World Series last year, Detroit ended games with Zumaya and Rodney setting up closer Todd Jones. Now the Tigers are forced to rely on a handful of relievers to be setup men.
“We’ll mix and match,” Leyland said. “Anybody’s pitching at any time, except for Jones.”
Miner joins the Tigers for the second time this season.
He started at Boston on May 17, giving up one earned run and six hits in 5 1-3 innings. In nine games with Toledo, Miner was 1-4 with a 5.07 ERA.
“Miner started and relieved last year,” Leyland said. “He’s done both, so it’s not going to be foreign to him.”