Chris

Spurling

Spurling didn’t allow a single run in 4 1/3 innings since being recalled, although he did give up four hits and two walks. That the Tigers don’t seem to value a reliever who has a 3.18 ERA this season and a 3.44 ERA in 70 2/3 innings last season is perplexing. The club is expected to call up a position player in time for Tuesday’s game against the White Sox.

Spurling, who never deserved to be sent down in the first place, had a 0.93 ERA in 18 1/3 innings for Toledo. He’ll return to the middle relief role he excelled in last year.

A nice bullpen pickup for Brewers GM Doug Melvin. Spurling, who had a 3.44 ERA in 70 2/3 innings for the Tigers last year, only lasted on waivers as long as he did because he’s arbitation eligible again this winter. Had he been making the minimum, the Brewers wouldn’t have had a shot. He’ll probably join Milwaukee’s relief corps right away, with his performance now determinining whether he’ll be tendered a contract for next year.

Spurling has been Detroit’s best reliever this season. It’s not very likely that he’ll ever become the team’s primary closer, but he has some value in AL-only leagues.

“I feel good now,” Spurling said. “When I was throwing in games in instructionals, I wasn’t quite as strong as I wanted to be, but that was seven months out of surgery. Now, I feel real good and real strong.” Spurling, who spent 2003 in the majors after being selected in the Rule 5 draft, will have a pretty good chance of winning a bullpen spot.

Spurling, returning from Tommy John surgery, had allowed one run in five innings, but he has options remaining and some of his competitiors didn’t. He’ll be back.

Spurling went unclaimed on waivers after posting a 4.91 ERA in 38 appearances for the Brewers. He could be brought back next month.

Spurling is expected to rejoin the club later this week.

Spurling finished with a 4.50 ERA in 50 innings for the Brewers this season. He’ll be one of the better minor league free agents available, though that may not get him a major league deal this winter.