Detroit Tigers: Candelario recalled from Toledo, Harrison goes on IL

The Detroit Tigers announced a few roster moves on Tuesday afternoon ahead of game two of a three-game series in Baltimore against the Orioles, one of those moves being the promotion of 3B Jeimer Candelario back to the big leagues.

Back on May 16th, the Detroit Tigers shocked many fans when it was announced that third baseman Jeimer Candelario was being sent down to Triple-A Toledo to, in the words of Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire, “find himself.” Now, according to ESPN, Detroit has recalled the “Candy Man” to the major leagues after a 12-day stint in the minors.

The move comes as it was announced that Detroit’s standout rookie starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull was being placed on the bereavement list. Turnbull has a 2-4 record through eleven starts so far in 2019, but has had some pretty impressive performances and holds a 2.97 ERA, which has put him in the early conversation for AL Rookie of the Year.

Back to Candelario, the 25-year-old had been tearing it up in Toledo after his unexpected demotion. In eleven games with the Mud Hens, Candelario racked up a .357 BA with 13 RBI and three home runs.

The other major roster move for the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday was the announcement that veteran second baseman Josh Harrison is heading back to the injured list, according to MLB.com’s Jason Beck. Harrison left Monday afternoon’s game against the Orioles in the ninth inning after appearing to have injured his hand while sliding into third base.

In 36 games for Detroit this season, Harrison has been having far from the best season of his nine-year MLB career. The two-time All-Star and former Pittsburgh Pirate is hitting just .167 with only eight RBI on the season so far with the Tigers.

In return for Harrison being placed on the IL, the Tigers promoted Victor Reyes to the big leagues. Reyes has made just one appearance for the Tigers in 2019 coming in as a pinch hitter on May 1st for Detroit in a game against Philadelphia, where he did record a hit.

Besides that, the 24-year-old Reyes has been having a solid year down in Triple-A Toledo. The switch hitter has 30 RBI and is hitting .242 through 39 games with the Mud Hens.

Reyes will not start in Tuesday’s game against Baltimore, as Niko Goodrum takes over Harrison’s spot at second base. However, Candelario will be starting at third base for the Tigers in his return. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm from Camden Yards.