DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland has decided to go with a 13-man pitching staff.
Clay Rapada was recalled Tuesday from Toledo to become the third left-hander in the bullpen, and first baseman Jeff Larish was optioned to Toledo to make room on the 25-man roster. Leyland said Larish, a left-handed batter, was not going to get many at-bats because the Tigers were going to be facing a steady diet of southpaw starters in upcoming series. Carlos Guillen, the regular left fielder, was being shifted to designated hitter because of a sore right Achilles' tendon.
"With Carlos (at DH), Larish was not getting in," Leyland said. "We'll get Larish 55 at-bats in two weeks with Toledo and hopefully get him back here."
Larish was batting .176 with one home run in 17 at-bats, and had one walk with four strikeouts. Rapada had a 6.00 ERA with one save and seven strikeouts in six innings with the Mud Hens, but made a good impression on Leyland during spring training.
"He's an extra bullet to protect (Bobby) Seay and (Nate) Robertson," Leyland said, referring to his top southpaw relievers.
Larish started once at first base and three times at DH.
Leyland said he expects to platoon left-handed hitting Josh Anderson and right-handed hitting Ryan Raburn in left field until Guillen is ready to play the outfield.
Rapada was 3-0 with a 4.22 ERA in 25 games with Detroit in 2008, but had 14 walks in 21 1/3 innings.
