Tigers recall Putkonen from Triple-A Toledo

The last of the Tigers’ September call-ups has arrived. Detroit recalled right-hander Luke Putkonen from Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday after the Mud Hens season concluded Monday afternoon.

The Tigers optioned Putkonen to Toledo on August 25 to open a spot for Drew Smyly to make a spot start in place of injured Doug Fister. By rule, Detroit couldn’t recall Putkonen for another 10 days unless he was replacing somebody who was placed on the disabled list. In this case, 10 days took them to the end of the minor-league season, so they’re clear to call him up.

Essentially, Putkonen becomes an extra long reliever to fill innings. With Darin Downs getting more lefty-against-lefty situations out of the bullpen, the only long reliever the Tigers had was Luis Marte, who was called up Sept. 1.

Putkonen has allowed seven runs on 15 hits over 9 2/3 innings in two different stints with the Tigers this season.