Darin

Downs

The Tigers got a lot of work after Doug Fister was chased early on Monday and will likely be tested again Tuesday now that Duane Below is starting in place of Max Scherzer (hamstring), so Downs provides a fresh arm. The 27-year-old southpaw has a 2.22 ERA and 33/8 K/BB ratio in 28 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level this season. He’s quite the example of perseverance after suffering a skull fracture when he was hit in the head by a line drive back as a Rays’ farmhand in 2009.

After 10 seasons in the minors, Downs is finally getting the call. It’s a great story, as the 27-year-old southpaw has persevered after suffering a skull fracture when he was hit in the head by a line drive back in 2009. He had a quality 2.22 ERA and 33/8 K/BB ratio in 28 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level this season and will pitch in middle relief with the Tigers.

Downs posted a 0.64 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 16/3 K/BB ratio in 14 innings this spring in the Grapefruit League to earn the job. The 28-year-old lefty should do fine.

Downs is likely to make the Tigers as things stand now, but that would probably change if the team goes outside the organization for a closer. As is, Phil Coke would be the favorite for saves, and since he’ll often be saved for the ninth, a second lefty would be a pretty valuable piece for the pen.

The 28-year-old southpaw has appeared in 26 games for the Tigers this season, posting a 5.18 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 37/10 K/BB ratio over 33 innings of work. The Tigers have struggled to find steady left-handed specialists in the bullpen this season, which is the role Downs will be used in over the final three weeks.

Downs struck out one in a perfect inning for Low-A Michigan Thursday, and it sounds like that’s the only rehab outing he’ll need. “Darin looked good,” Whitecaps pitching coach Mike Henneman said. “No pain. Looks good to go.”

The 30-year-old southpaw was unable to earn a spot in the Astros bullpen this season after struggling over 34 2/3 innings in 2014. He posted a 4.96 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 11/3 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings at Triple-A Fresno. He should be able to find an opportunity with another organization looking to improve their bullpen depth.

Downs posted a 5.54 ERA but held a 15/4 K/BB ratio over 13 Triple-A frames to earn the promotion. He’ll work in the middle innings.

The 29-year-old southpaw could’ve secured a spot in the Opening Day bullpen with a strong spring, but compiled a 6.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 2/4 K/BB ratio in his 9 1/3 innings of Cactus League play. He’ll get an opportunity with the Astros at some point during the 2014 campaign.

The 24-year-old left-hander reportedly suffered a fractured skull, but is expected to make a complete recovery and be ready to pitch next season. Downs went 12-4 with a 2.00 ERA and 111/23 K/BB ratio in 121 2/3 innings for Single-A Charlotte this season.