Tigers call up Carpenter for starting assignment

NEW YORK – The Tigers recalled left-hander Ryan Carpenter, who started Saturday’s 5-4, 13-inning loss to the Mets, taking a no-decision.

Having already made two starts for the team this year, allowing 13 earned runs in nine innings, Carpenter allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and struck out five over five innings. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he earned another turn in the rotation.

Following Friday's 9-8 win over the Mets, the Tigers optioned right-hander Sandy Baez to Triple-A Toledo to make room for Carpenter.

Most of Carpenter’s season has been spent with Toledo, where he was 1-4 with a 4.15 ERA in seven starts.

“He has bounced up and down,” Gardenhire said. “He is not going to come up here afraid. He is going to come up here and throw the ball. When he is using all of his pitches, he can be effective.”

Close to baseball action

Tigers shortstop Jordy Mercer, on the injured list with a right quadriceps strain, is expected to go on a rehab assignment in a couple of days. He will join Toledo when it plays the Bats in Louisville this weekend.

According to Gardenhire, Mercer will play shortstop and serve as the designated hitter.

“We have to take our time and make sure he is healthy and through this [injury] before we bring him back to the big leagues,” Gardenhire said. “However long that it takes, that’s how it’s going to be.”

New York state of mind

Gardenhire had a lot of good memories about his days as a member of the Mets from 1981-85. In those days, the Mets played at Shea Stadium, and most of Gardenhire's time was spent at shortstop.

Joe Torre was the manager when Gardenhire was called up to the big leagues, and Gardenhire learned a lot about baseball from players such as Rusty Staub and Tom Seaver. Gardenhire said it was “a growing up experience in the big leagues.

“That September of ’81 is probably as much fun as I ever had in baseball,” Gardenhire said. “I enjoyed being around guys like Rusty Staub. Guys like that were really cool. And being part of it for [four more] years -- a lot of those guys went on to win the World Series [1986]. It was fun.”

At the hot corner

Tigers infielder/outfielder Niko Goodrum was in Friday’s starting lineup batting first and playing third base. It marked the sixth position he has played this year. Goodrum has already played first base, second base, and all three outfield positions.

Before Friday’s game, Goodrum was seen working out at the hot corner without any problem.

“I think he’ll be fine. The ball will come straight at him. … He’ll have quick hands,” Gardenhire said. “I don’t have a problem putting him anywhere, really. He can play all over.”