DETROIT -- The Tigers' decision to call up left-handed reliever Ian Krol on Thursday afternoon from Triple-A Toledo could be seen as a strategic move to bolster the bullpen before the club's three-game series against the lefty-heavy Indians.
Or, as manager Brad Ausmus explained on Friday, you could consider it more of a deserved reward for Krol's 1.15 ERA in 14 appearances with the Mud Hens.
"It was really more that Krol was pitching well more than anything else," Ausmus said.
In a corresponding move, the Tigers optioned starter Shane Greene to Toledo. Lefty Kyle Ryan will start on Tuesday for Detroit.