Coop Scoop

Mud Hens in-game blog -- May 14

Here is pre-game and in-game information from the Mud Hens' game vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Fifth Third Field on Tuesday, May 14. Scroll to the bottom for lineups and pre-game notes. Make sure to press “refresh” for updates throughout the contest.

GAME INFORMATION

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (20-16)

at Toledo Mud Hens (11-28)

First pitch: 6:30 p.m.

Television: BCSN. 

Radio: 1230 AM, WCWA. Click here to listen on the Internet.

Gameday: Click here to follow the contest pitch-by-pitch.

NINTH INNING

Mud Hens reliever Jess Todd pitches a 1-2-3 ninth to close out the 10-2 victory. Toledo now has won two in a row heading into Wednesday's 10:30 a.m. start. Thanks for following along!

EIGHTH INNING

Former Mud Hen Clay Rapada came on and struggled, giving up a leadoff single to Quintin Berry and a walk to Brandon Douglas followed by a one-out single by Ramon Cabrera to load the bases. Then the wheels came off for Rapada, who walked Jordan Lennerton and Nick Castellanos to force home two runs, followed by a LONG sacrifice fly by Danny Dorn. The three runs give the Hens a 10-2 lead as we move to the ninth.

Mud Hens reliever Evan Reed had to dodge some bullets to pitch a scoreless inning. He gave up a leadoff single to Ronnier Mustelier, but Melky Mesa hit a hot shot that Argenis Diaz was able to grab and turn into a double play. Then Zoilo Almonte singled, stole second and went to third on a wild throw. But he was stranded at third on a groundout to end the inning.

SEVENTH INNING

Toledo scored one run, but RailRiders reliever blocked a potential hit to save himself a run. With one out Nick Castellanos singled, then Danny Dorn hit a hard liner to center that Melky Mesa misplayed into a run-scoring triple. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre pulled the infield in for Ben Guez, who scalded a line drive off Betances -- straight to shortstop Addison Maruszak for the out. Mud Hens do get one run, thought, and lead 7-2 as we move to the eighth.

The Mud Hens call on Evan Reed to pitch the seventh, and he relied on a LOT of fastballs to retire the RailRiders in the inning. Of the 21 pitches Reed threw, 18 were fastballs -- all sitting in the 93-96 mph range with a high of 97. Reed struck out two and gave up a bloop single in his inning of work.

SIXTH INNING

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre calls on Dellin Betances in relief, and Betances -- once one of the top prospects in the Yankees system -- retires the Mud Hens in 1-2-3 order. No good swings against a guy who threw in the mid-90s and showed pretty good command of a breaking ball -- at least with the 12 pitches he threw in the sixth. We move to the seventh, and Toledo still leads 6-2.

The RailRiders spoil the shutout bid by Jose Alvarez with a two-out, two-run rally. With two outs and no one on, Melky Mesa blooped a single to left and Zoilo Almonte doubled into the right-field corner to score the run. Then Luke Murton blooped a single up the middle to score Almonte. Alvarez has thrown 94 pitches, so his day may be over. The Mud Hens come to bat in the sixth with their lead trimmed to 6-2.

FIFTH INNING

The Mud Hens tack on two more runs in the fifth as Ramon Cabrera was hit by a pitch and Nick Castellanos singled in front of Danny Dorn, who lined a double to the wall in right-center to score both runners. Toledo leads 6-0 as we move to the sixth.

A 1-2-3 inning that took Toledo's Jose Alvarez just 10 pitches to accomplish. At this point Alvarez has thrown just 66 pitches, 45 of which have been strikes.

FOURTH INNING

Dr. Longball makes a pair of house calls as the Mud Hens score three times. Danny Dorn led off with a walk, and Ben Guez slammed his second home run in as many days, a high opposite-field fly that is his fifth of the season. Then with two outs Brandon Douglas slamed a 1-1 pitch off the base of the scoreboard in left for his first home run of the season. As we move to the fifth, the Mud Hens lead 6-0.

Two quick outs by Jose Alvarez in the fourth, then two bloop singles put runners on first and second. Alvarez got a weak flyout by Addison Maruszak to end the inning. Alvarez has thrown 56 pitches, 39 for strikes, through four.

THIRD INNING

The Mud Hens get the leadoff man on base, but Argenis Diaz is stranded on third. The final out came on a DEEP fly to center off the bat of Nick Castellanos, but it was caught at the base of the fence in straight-away center. Toledo still leads 1-0 as we move to the fourth.

Two strikeouts for Jose Alvarez, then a single and a flyout get the Mud Hens through the third inning. Alvarez already has four strikeouts through three innings and has thrown just 41 pitches, 28 of which were strikes.

SECOND INNING

The Mud Hens broke on top with a run off Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's Caleb Cotham, who gave up a leadoff double to Ben Guez, a groundout by Kevin Russo that moved Guez to third, and a sacrifice fly by Quintin Berry. Toledo leads 1-0 as we move to the third.

Hens starter Jose Alvarez gave up two singles but no runs in the second. The Mud Hens had a chance for a double play -- a tough double play, because it was started by the first baseman -- but no damage.

FIRST INNING

The Mud Hens collected a pair of hits off Joba Chamberlain but did not score. Chamberlain threw 12 pitches, nine of which were strikes. He gave up back-to-back two-out singles to Jordan Lennerton and Nick Castellanos and also gave up a pair of hard-hit fly balls. Of the 12 pitches Chamberlain threw, five were curveballs that sat at 74-75 mph (one at 74, two at 75, one at 77, one at 78) while the four fastballs sat between 90-93 mph (one at each speed). I believe he threw one slider (86 mph) and two change-ups (one at 83, one at 84). No score as we head to the second.

Mud Hens starter Jose Alvarez starts out strong, retiring the RailRiders 1-2-3 with a pair of strikeouts. Alvarez needed just 12 pitches -- eight of which were strikes -- to finish the inning.

STARTING LINEUPS

SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE: Leading off and playing 2B is Corban Joseph, followed by David Adams at 3B, Thomas Neal in RF, Ronnier Mustelier at DH, Melky Mesa in CF, Zoilo Almonte in LF, Luke Murton at 1B, Addison Marusczak at SS, Jeff Farnham at C and RHP Joba Chamberlain as the starting pitcher.

MUD HENS: Leading off and playing SS is Argenis Diaz, followed by Ramon Cabrera at C, Jordan Lennerton at 1B, Nick Castellanos in LF, Danny Dorn at DH, Ben Guez in RF, Kevin Russo at 3B, Quintin Berry in CF, Brandon Douglas at 2B and LHP Jose Alvarez as the starting pitcher.

PRE-GAME NOTES

• Let’s start with an update on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre roster, which has some familiar faces – and is missing a familiar face, too. First, the player who is gone: OF Curtis Granderson, who played for the Mud Hens in 2005, ended his rehab assignment with the RailRiders and was recalled to New York.

• OK, here are the guys who are here: RHP Joba Chamberlain will start today’s game against the Mud Hens. According to the New York media, Chamberlain will throw just one inning in this contest. Also, the Yankees optioned OF Brennan Boesch to the RailRiders. At this point Boesch is not in the starting lineup for tonight – in fact, he is not on the lineup card as we speak.

• And now, a little bad news regarding Toledo LHP Casey Crosby. According to Mud Hens manager Phil Nevin, Crosby felt some soreness after his May 12 start at Indianapolis. Crosby will miss his scheduled Friday, May 17 start against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as the extent of his injury is determined.

• UPDATE: When I posted the note above, I said Luke Putkonen would take the start in Crosby's place. I have been told that this is no longer the case: Friday's starter has yet to be determined.

• Still no word on the three injured Mud Hens: IF Danny Worth, RHP Luis Marte and LHP Pat Misch. Worth is basically "waiting out the pain," according to Nevin. Since he has not played in roughly a month, it wouldn't be unusual if Worth had a short rehab assignment before returning to the Mud Hens. Marte is not with the Hens (presumably he is in extended spring training in Lakeland), while Misch still is not ready as well. "Until they are game-ready, there's not much more I can tell you about them," Nevin said.

• The Mud Hens began the day with a 24-man roster after Avisail Garcia was promoted to Detroit. RHP Robbie Weinhardt has been called up from Double-A Erie to fill the Hens roster. Weinhardt wasn't gone long -- the official move sending him to the SeaWolves was dated May 13.

• Here's a link to a look at the Mud Hens' week in review -- and a preview of the coming homestand.

Rondon returns to Toledo, Putkonen promoted to Tigers

The Tigers made another move after their loss to Minnesota on Wednesday, calling up RHP Luke Putkonen while optioning RHP Bruce Rondon back to the Mud Hens.

The reason Bruce Rondon was sent down was clear: He wasn't getting outs. In 2.1 innings with Detroit he allowed five hits and two walks that resulted in three earned runs. Rondon only had one strikeout.

Rondon pitched much better in his time with the Mud Hens, posting three saves and not allowing an earned run in 7.2 innings. In that span Rondon gave up just five hits and two walks while striking out nine.

Click here to read an analysis of Rondon when he was called up to Detroit.

Detroit called up RHP Luke Putkonen to fill Rondon's roster spot. Putkonen has been pitching well for the Mud Hens, posting a 1-0 record with two "holds" and a 2.16 ERA. In 16.2 innings the right-hander has allowed 14 hits and five walks that have resulted in six runs, four of which were earned.

Putkonen, who will turn 27 on May 10, has struck out 16 along the way. He is the 25th-best prospect in the Tigers' organization, according to Baseball America.

Here is a brief scouting report on Putkonen taken from his April 15 appearance against Indianapolis.

In that game Putkonen allowed one hit in 1.1 innings, striking out two. He threw 25 pitches, 16 of which were strikes.

Putkonen threw a fastball that acts like a sinker and sits at 93-94 mph (one at 92, two at 93, nine at 94, one at 95). Of his 13 fastballs, nine were strikes (four called, one swinging (for a strikeout), two fouled, two put in play (both outs).

Putkonen's change-up (it's really a split-finger pitch) that day sat at 82-85 mph (one at each of those four speeds). Of the four he threw, three were strikes -- one ended up in a swinging strikeout, one was fouled, and one was put in play for a single.

Putkonen also throws a curveball that sits at roughly 79 mph (two at 76, one at 78, four at 79, one at 80). Of the eight he threw, four were strikes (two called, one swinging, one fouled).

A few other Putkonen numbers ... His WHIP for this season is 1.14, and opponents are hitting .222 against him. Of the 270 pitches he has thrown, 164 have been strikes (60.7 percent). And here's one of his best numbers: He has inherited five baserunners, and none of them have scored this season.

Click here for a look at the Tigers' other two moves Wednesday.

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Tigers promote Rondon

Mud Hens add Weinhardt to roster

Week in review - April 29

Two roster moves for Hens: Garcia added, Ortega promoted

Just because the Mud Hens don't have a game today -- it's their first "off" day since the season began on April 4 -- doesn't mean things aren't happening around the team.

In fact, this morning the Hens saw one player called up to Detroit and another added to the roster.

The Tigers called up RHP Jose Ortega from Toledo to replace LHP Phil Coke, who went on the disabled list Wednesday with a left groin strain. Coke's placement on the disabled list is retroactive to April 26.

Also, Detroit ended the rehab assignment of OF Avisail Garcia, took him off the disabled list, and optioned him to the Mud Hens.

First, a few words about Garcia ...

Garcia, one of the top prospects in Detroit's organization, bruised his left heel during spring training and was placed on the disabled list in mid-March. In mid-April he was cleared to resume baseball activities, and on April 25 he began a rehab assignment with Hi-A Lakeland in the Florida State League.

In six games with the Flying Tigers, Garcia hit .417 with a home run, four RBIs and a pair of stolen bases. He really got rolling in his last two games, going 7-for-9 (.778) with a home run and three RBIs.

Garcia began this season as the second-best prospect in the Tigers organization, according to Baseball America, trailing only new teammate Nick Castellanos. Last season the 21-year-old Garcia began the year with Lakeland and hit .289 with eight homers, 36 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 67 games to earn a promotion to Double-A Erie, where he batted .312 with six homers, 22 RBIs and nine stolen bases in 55 games.

Late last season he was called up to Detroit and played in 23 regular-season games with the Tigers, hitting .319 with no homers, three RBIs and no stolen bases in 23 games.

Garcia stands 6-4 and weighs 240 points, and Baseball America likes his tools, including plus-power, a strong throwing arm, and good instincts running the bases.

One thing I think bears watching: Garcia has been primarily a rightfielder during his early career, but last season he played centerfield in 44 games for Erie and played all three outfield positions in Detroit. It's important that he continues his development, of course, but for this season it wouldn't surprise me if he played center in some Mud Hens games in case there is a need in Detroit.

Next, a few words about Ortega ...

In short, Ortega has been extremely impressive for the Mud Hens this season. In 10 appearances he has allowed just five hits and seven walks in 14 innings, giving up just one unearned run while striking out 19. He is 1-0 with one save and a 0.00 ERA.

Ortega has a .109 opponents' batting average, the fourth-best mark among relievers in the International League this season. His 7.71 baserunners allowed per nine innings ranks fifth in the IL.

One of the few concerns with Ortega has been a bit of wildness creeping into his numbers. In his first five appearances, Ortega allowed just two walks in 6.2 innings; in his last five games, the right-hander has issued five walks in 7.1 innings.

For the season Ortega has thrown 201 pitches, 125 of which were strikes (62.2 percent).

A quick bit of history on the 24-year-old Ortega: He pitched exclusively for the Mud Hens in 2011, posting a 1-3 record and 6.30 ERA primarily because he gave up 61 hits and 27 walks in 50 innings. He was better, but not great, with the Hens last year, going 5-8 with a save and a 5.74 ERA in 45 appearances. Ortega allowed 76 hits and 51 walks in 63 innings a year ago but did strike out 68.

Here is a look at two of Ortega's appearances with the Mud Hens this season ...

First, a reminder that I have not seen the Mud Hens since Friday, April 19, as they have been on the road for the past 11 days. They return home Thursday, for those of you who are interested.

Here's a quick analysis of two Ortega appearances: His inning of work on April 14 against Louisville, and one inning against Indianapolis on April 17.

First, it's worth noting that the first appearance was the last of his five strong, "in command" appearances, and the second was the first in that string of five where he started to struggle with throwing strikes. You will see the difference easily.

On April 14 Ortega needed just seven pitches to get three outs against Louisville, including one strikeout and two weak ground balls. Of his seven pitches, six were strikes. His fastball sat at 95-97 mph, although he threw one pitch at 92. He only threw one slider, at 85 mph, and got his strikeout with it.

It's worth noting that, even when Ortega is going well, his fastball isn't a "swing-and-miss" pitch. Of the five strikes he threw with the fastball, three were fouled off and two were put in play.

On April 17 Ortega pitched another scoreless inning, but this one took a little work. He needed 20 pitches to get three outs, giving up and a walk and a single. Of his 20 pitches, 10 were strikes.

I charted 18 of the 20 pitches Ortega that inning and recorded 11 fastballs (five for strikes) and seven sliders (three for strikes). The fastball again sat at 96-97 mph (three at 97, four at 96, one at 95, one at 94, two at 93), and again the fastball was not a swing-and-miss pitch (two fouled off, one taken, one put in play, one swung at and missed).

Ortega's slider sat at 83-85 mph (one at 82, three at 83, one at 84, two at 85), and three of the seven I recorded were strikes (one taken, one swung at and missed, one put in play for a single).

Here are a few comments from Mud Hens manager Phil Nevin about Ortega ...

"When I point to the bullpen, the pitcher who has emerged as a bright spot for me is Ortega," Nevin said. "He understands ... the importance of strikes. He can dial it down a little bit, get strikes with more movement on his pitches. He's got a devastating slider that can get swings and misses, similar to Al Alburquerque.

"[Tigers manager Jim Leyland] said it to me: You look at [Ortega's] stuff, and you wonder why the numbers are [what they are]. The reason is, more often than not the count is 1-0, 2-0, 3-1. Now he understands the importance of that first-pitch strike. He has come in and thrown strikes. He understands now that [hitters] are going to put the ball in play once in a while, and he understands the guys behind him are pretty good.

"He's still going to get strikeouts because of his 'stuff,' but he understands what is behind him. He can slow his motor down and throw strikes, and he's still going to get outs. Hitters aren't getting many good swings off him. ... He's repeating his pitches, and understanding how good his stuff is when he's under control. He's maturing -- remember, the guy is pretty young. He's starting to understand the 'pitching' side of things."

Wait ... the Tigers aren't finished making moves today. After Wednesday's loss to the Twins, Detroit optioned pitcher Bruce Rondon back to the Mud Hens and promoted RHP Luke Putkonen.

Click here to read about that transaction.

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Week in review - April 29

Tigers promote Rondon

Mud Hens put Misch on DL

The Mud Hens suffered the second blow to their rotation in a week's time when LHP Pat Misch was placed on the disabled list Sunday, April 28.

Pat Misch made five starts for the Mud Hens before suffering an undisclosed injury, posting a 1-3 record and 6.00 ERA.

In 24 innings of work, the lefty gave up 29 hits and 11 walks that resulted in 21 runs, 16 of which were earned. He struck out 20.

In his last start, which came at Durham April 25, Misch gave up six hits and four walks that resulted in six runs, five of which were earned, in just five innings. Misch, who struck out two in that start, was credited with the win as the Hens outslugged the Bulls 9-7.

There's no official word on who will replace Misch in Toledo's rotation, but an educated guess would point to Erie RHP Derek Hankins.

Hankins is 1-1 with a 3.06 ERA in three starts for the SeaWolves ... and, most tellingly, he has not pitched since April 23 -- and is listed as Erie's starter Tuesday. There's no guarantee, of course, but Hankins does make sense.

This season Hankins has allowed 16 hits and two walks in 17.2 innings for Erie, fanning 12 along the way.

Hankins spent most of his career in the Pittsburgh organization, making three late-season starts for Indianapolis in 2010. He spent the past two seasons with the Rangers organization, pitching for Triple-A Round Rock in the Pacific Coast League in both years.

In 2010 he was 7-6 with a 5.89 ERA, and last season Hankins when 6-7 with a 4.99 ERA.

UPDATED AT 11:45 A.M. -- I just received official word that Hankins indeed has been promoted to Toledo. I'm going to assume that, since he has been a starter for Erie, he will start Tuesday for the Hens in Norfolk.

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Below claimed by Marlins

Mud Hens add Weinhardt to roster

Mud Hens add Weinhardt to roster

The Mud Hens had an opening on the roster when the Tigers lost Duane Below on waivers.

That roster opening was filled today when Robbie Weinhardt was promoted from Double-A Erie.

Weinhardt, you may remember, pitched for the Mud Hens in both 2010 and '11. He also spent time with the Tigers both seasons, posting a 2-2 record with a 6.14 ERA in 28 appearances in 2010 and a 10.80 ERA in two appearances the next season.

Weinhardt was very good for the Mud Hens in 2010. In 24 games he went 1-1 with a save and a 1.57 ERA, allowing just 26 hits and seven walks while fanning 25 in 34.1 innings.

But the 27-year-old right-hander struggled the next season, going 1-4 with a save and a 6.49 ERA in 24 appearances. While the 34.2 innings is very similar to the previous season with Toledo, the 36 hits and 14 walks -- not to mention seven hit batsmen -- was not. Weinhardt had 31 strikeouts with the Hens that season.

Last year Weinhardt pitched exclusively with Double-A Erie and was solid, going 1-2 with seven saves and a 2.73 ERA in 44 games.

This season he had no record but a 5.19 ERA in seven appearances with the SeaWolves, giving up 13 hits and six walks while fanning eight in 8.2 innings.

Below claimed by Marlins

On Wednesday the Miami Marlins claimed LHP Duane Below off waivers. The Tigers put Below on waivers to make room on the 40-man roster for RHP Jose Valverde.

Duane Below had started this season very well for the Mud Hens, posting a deceiving 1-2 record and 2.10 ERA in four starts. Below allowed just 15 hits and four walks while striking out 15 in 25.2 innings.

The native of nearby Britton, Mich., has a WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) of 0.74 for the Hens, which ranked fourth in the International League, and his 6.66 baserunners per nine innings ranked third-best amongst IL starters. Below allowed opponents to hit just .167 against him, and that ranked fifth-best in the league.

All four of Below's starts have been "quality" starts, meaning he allowed three earned runs or fewer while covering at least six innings.

The 27-year-old lefty has split time between Toledo and Detroit the past two seasons. In 2011 he began the year with the Mud Hens and posted a 9-4 record with a 3.13 ERA to earn a promotion to Detroit, where he went 0-2 with a 4.34 ERA.

Last season he was scheduled to again begin the season in Toledo but instead was called up to Detroit, where he was 2-1 with a 3.88 ERA before being demoted to the Hens, where he posted a 1-2 record and 6.23 ERA.

Here is a look at Below's April 17 start against Indianapolis ...

In that contest Below suffered a tough loss despite giving up just three hits and one walk in seven strong innings (the Mud Hens got shut out in a 2-0 loss). Below struck out five and threw 91 pitches, 62 of which were strikes (my counts); he threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of the 25 batters he faced, including 11 of the last 13 (all of which he retired, which probably isn't a coincidence).

Below threw a fastball that sat in the 86-89 mph range (one at 85, six at 86, six at 87, 18 at 88 and nine at 89 as well as one at 92). He threw strikes with 27 of the 41 fastballs charted (65.9 percent) and got eight of his outs with fastballs (three strikeouts) and gave up one hit with the fastball.

Below's change-up sat in the 80-83 mph range (five at 80, eight at 81, six at 82, six at 83 and two at 84). He threw strikes with 18 of the 27 change-ups charted (66.7 percent) and got four outs with the change-up (one strikeout) while giving up two hits (including the double down the third-base line that was the deciding hit in the contest).

Below's curveball sat in the 76-78 mph range (one at 74, two at 75, six at 76, two at 77, seven at 78 and two at 79). He threw strikes with 16 of the 20 curveballs charted (60 percent) and got six outs (one strikeout) while not allowing a hit with the curve.

I think it's also worth noting that Below got a swing-and-a-miss on just 11 of the 91 pitches he threw (12.1 percent of his pitches); six came on the fastball, four came on the change-up and one came on the curveball.

In short: Below commanded his curveball very well in this start, and he didn't give up a lot of well-struck balls. But he also didn't get many swings and misses. When he got ahead in the count early, he had significantly more success.

What will the Mud Hens do to fill Below's spot in the roster and in the rotation?

Let's handle the rotation first, because the answer (for now) is LHP Ramon Garcia, who is expected to take Below's scheduled start Saturday in Norfolk.

Garcia made his first appearance this season for the Hens Wednesday in Durham, allowing four hits and two walked that turned into a pair of earned runs in two innings, striking out one along the way?

This "spot starter" role is something Garcia has done for the Mud Hens the past two seasons.

As for filling the roster spot, my understanding is that Luis Marte is not ready to come off the disabled list, so he is not an option.

Looking at the Double-A Erie roster, there are a couple of veteran names worth looking at. My guess is that, because it is early in the season, the Tigers will not promote a young pitcher so early in the season unless they are dominating -- and so far, nobody is dominating (although several are doing well).

A few logical choices to look at are RHP Derek Hankins and LHP Will Startup.

Hankins has made three starts for the SeaWolves this season (his next start would be Sunday) and has a 1-1 record and 3.06 ERA. Hankins has allowed 16 hits and just two walks in 17.2 innings, striking out 12.

Hankins, who will turn 30 in July, spent much of his career in Pittsburgh's organization. He pitched briefly for Indianapolis in 2010, then spent most of the past two years with Round Rock in the Pacific Coast League. In '11 he was 7-6 with a 5.89 ERA with the Express, while last year he was 6-7 with a 4.99 ERA.

Startup has been used in relief by the SeaWolves and has three saves and a 1.65 ERA in six appearances. Startup has given up 14 hits and four walks in 16.1 innings, fanning 15.

The 28-year-old Startup has pitched in Triple-A with Richmond (2006-07), Portland in the PCL (2007-08) and Norfolk (2011). Last year he pitched for Sugarland, Texas, in the independent Atlantic League, posting a 3-2 record and 2.79 ERA.

 

Mud Hens in-game blog -- April 16

Here is pre-game and in-game information from the Mud Hens' game vs. Indianapolis at Fifth Third Field on Tuesday, April 16. Make sure to press “refresh” for updates throughout the contest.

GAME INFORMATION

Indianapolis Indians (8-4) at Toledo Mud Hens (3-9).

First pitch: 6:30 p.m.

Television: BCSN2. 

Radio: 1370 AM, WSPD. Click here to listen on the Internet.

Gameday: Click here to follow the contest pitch-by-pitch.

STARTING LINEUPS

INDIANAPOLIS: Leading off and playing 2B is Josh Harrison, followed by Jordy Mercer at SS, Brandon Inge in LF, Brett Carroll at DH, Felix Pie in CF, Matt Hague at 1B, Jerry Sands in RF, Tony Sanchez at C, Jared Goedert at 3B and RHP Gerrit Cole as the starting pitcher.

MUD HENS: Leading off and playing CF is Quintin Berry, followed by Kevin Russo at 2B, Nick Castellanos in LF, Jordan Lennerton at 1B, Ben Guez in RF, Danny Dorn at DH, Danny Worth at 3B, Bryan Holaday at C, Gustavo Nunez at SS and LHP Casey Crosby as the starting pitcher.

NINTH INNING

The Mud Hens get a two-out infield hit from Quintin Berry but that's it, and Indy wins 4-2. Thanks for following along!

Matt Hoffman retired the Indians in the ninth, with Tony Sanchez singling for the only baserunner. Last chance for the Hens in the bottom of the ninth, trailing by two runs ...

EIGHTH INNING

The Mud Hens again squander a chance for a big inning, scoring once but leaving the bases loaded. Quintin Berry doubled and Nick Castellanos beat out an infield grounder for a single. A walk to Ben Guez and a single by Danny Dorn loaded the bases, but Danny Worth struck out to end the threat. Indianapolis lead the Hens 4-2 as we head to the ninth.

The Indians steal a run in the inning with aggressive baserunning. Josh Harrison led off with a single, then was running when Jordy Mercer hit a swinging bunt that he beat out for a single that put runners on first and second. Brandon Inge forced the lead runner out at third on a groundout, and Brett Carroll followed with a grounder to third. Danny Worth double-clutched before throwing to second, and Kevin Russo threw a one-hopper to first that pulled Jordon Lennerton off first. Carroll was safe, and Mercer kept running -- and beat Lennerton's throw to the plate to score. Indianapolis leads Toledo 4-1.

SEVENTH INNING

The Mud Hens get on the board in the seventh, but they see a good opportunity for more runs go by the boards. With one out -- and the rain starting to fall -- Danny Dorn again beat the Indy shift with a bunt down the third-base line, then moved to third on a double cued down the right-field line by Danny Worth. Bryan Holaday the lined a single up the middle to score Dorn. But Worth had to make sure the ball dropped and only reached third base, and that proved costly when Indy reliever Erik Cordier got Toledo's Gustavo Nunez to hit into a double play. It's Indianapolis 3, Mud Hens 1 as we move to the eighth.

Mud Hens reliever Jess Todd retired the Indians without incident in the seventh, recording a pair of strikeouts along the way.

SIXTH INNING

The Mud Hens got the leadoff batter on base when Kevin Russo reached on an error, but Nick Castellanos promptly erased him by hitting into a double play. Still Indianapolis 3, Mud Hens 0 as we head to the seventh.

Mud Hens starter Casey Crosby walked the leadoff batter, Brandon Inge, but then got two outs before he was replaced by Jess Todd, who got the final out.

FIFTH INNING

Indianapolis starter Gerrit Cole did his job, retiring the Mud Hens in order on just 11 pitches, getting a called third strike on Quintin Berry to end the inning.

The Indians broke the scoreless game with a three-run fifth inning. Matt Hague led off with a single, and Casey Crosby then walked Jerry Sands. Then the Tribe's catcher, Tony Sanchez, drove the first pitch well over the fence in left-center for a three-run home run. Crosby gave up another single after the home run, but got a double play to avoid further damage. Indianapolis now leads 3-0.

FOURTH INNING

The Mud Hens finally got a hit off Indy's Gerrit Cole, thanks in part to an exaggerated shift by the Indians against Danny Dorn. The Tribe was shifted well to right field against Dorn, who blooped a ball to left that fell for a single. But no further damage as we head to the fifth in a scoreless contest.

Mud Hens starter Casey Crosby pitched around a two-out walk, adding another strikeout and getting a lineout by Felix Pie to avoid further trouble.

THIRD INNING

The Mud Hens are not able to take advantage of Gerrit Cole's wildness to score a run. Cole walked Quintin Berry and Kevin Russo with one out, but Russo was thrown out at second base at the back end of a potential double-steal. BTW, Nick Castellanos has batted twice against Cole ... and struck out twice. No score as we head to the fourth.

Toledo starter Casey Crosby is on a roll, having picked off a second Indy baserunner off first. This inning Crosby picked Josh Harrison, who had walked, off first. So far Crosby has thrown 41 pitches, 24 for strikes, and has one strikeout and one walk.

SECOND INNING

Indianapolis starter Gerrit Cole -- by the way, he's considered one of the best prospects in baseball -- had some of the control problems that have plagued him early in the season while pitching to the Hens in the second. Cole walked a pair of Hens and also had a wild pitch, but he also struck out a pair of Toledo hitters and avoided further trouble. No score as we head to the third.

Casey Crosby pitched around a two-out catcher's interference call to retire the Indians in the second. Crosby has thrown 28 pitches so far, 17 of which were strikes.

FIRST INNING

Indianapolis starter Gerrit Cole mowed down the Mud Hens in order in the first, striking out one. Even more impressive the 97 mile per hour fastball: Cole threw 10 pitches, nine of which were strikes. No score as we move to the second.

Mud Hens starter Casey Crosby did give up a one-out single to Jordy Mercer, but the picked Mercer off first base and got Brandon Inge to ground out.

PRE-GAME NOTES

• Not much news from the Mud Hens camp. No roster changes, for those wondering. Toledo manager Phil Nevin said he wanted to get two left-handers into the lineup in Jordan Lennerton and Danny Dorn, so John Lindsey will sit today. Nevin said Lindsey also got a new prescription for his contacts and is taking a day or two to adjust.

• Here’s an update on RHP Jose Valverde, who the Tigers signed as a minor-league free agent. Valverde threw Monday and will take Tuesday off. He will pitch again Wednesday in extended spring training, and Dave Owen, the Tigers director of player development, said if things go well for Valverde Wednesday he will pitch in Florida State League games soon. "He's been in the strike zone and around the strike zone," Owen said. "His velocity has been good -- in the low- to mid-90s -- and the split- [finger fastball] is coming out of his hand well. The early indications are that he looks pretty good."

• The Indians made several moves before the game. RHP Vin Mazzaro was promoted to Pittsburgh, and the Pirates sent RHP Bryan Morris to Indianapolis -- but Morris isn't on the Indians' roster yet. Indianapolis did add two pitchers to the roster from Short-Season State College in RHP Erik Cordier and Roman Colon. Colon should be a familiar name for Mud Hens fans, since he pitched for the Tigers in 2005-06 and pitched for the Mud Hens in 2006-07. Click here to read The Blade story about Colon's sentencing.

• While we're thinking of links, here are a few from Monday. Click here to read the game story from Monday's contest, which features former Tiger Brandon Inge. Click here to read the in-game blog. Click here to view the photo gallery from Monday's game by The Blade's Lori King. And click here to read some post-game notes from the contest.

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Tigers claim Reed, assign him to Toledo

The Mud Hens' opening day still is 24 hours away, and already the team's opening day roster has changed.

On Wednesday the Tigers claimed RHP Evan Reed on waivers from Miami and assigned him to the Mud Hens. At this point there is no word on what move the Hens will make to open up a roster spot for Reed.

The 27-year-old right-hander spent last season with the Marlins' Triple-A team in New Orleans in the Pacific Coast League. He pitched in 23 games with the Zephyrs, posting a 2-3 record and 7.16 ERA.

Reed originally began his professional career with the Texas organization. He made only one appearance with the Rangers' Triple-A club, which was in Oklahoma City at the time, and earned a win.

He was traded to the Marlins in July of 2010 as part of the deal that sent Jorge Cantu to the Rangers.

For his career Reed has a 19-19 record and 4.09 ERA along with 44 saves in six professional seasons.

APRIL 4 UPDATE: My understanding is that the Mud Hens have given pitcher Rob Waite his unconditional release to make room for Reed on the Toledo roster.

Also, the Tiger announced today that they have signed RHP Jose Valverde to a minor-league contract. Valverde was the Tigers' closer for the past three season but was a free agent. Detroit announced that Valverde would report to Hi-A Lakeland.

My guess is that it will take time before Valverde is closer to the majors ... or Toledo, for that matter. But his situation certainly bears watching.

2013 Mud Hens roster

Pitchers                   B/T   Ht.   Wt.   Age   Residence

Jose Alvarez           L/L   5-10  180     23    Barcelona, Venez.

Duane Below          L/L   6-3   220     27    Britton, Mich.

Casey Crosby         R/L   6-5  225     24   Sugar Grove, Ill.

Kenny Faulk           L/L    6-0   210    25    Kennesaw, Ga.

Shawn Hill              R/R   6-2  225     31   Mississauga, Ont.

Matt Hoffman        L/L   6-2  225     24   Owasso, Okla.

Luis Marte              R/R  5-11  200   26    San Cristobal, D.R.

Pat Misch               R/L   6-2   200    31   Northbrook, Ill.

Jose Ortega            R/R  5-11  185    24   Caja Seca, Venez.

Luke Putkonen       R/R   6-6   210    26   Lady Lake, Fla.

Bruce Rondon       R/R   6-2   275    22    Valencia, Venez.

Jess Todd                R/R   5-11  210    26   Longview, Texas

Rob Waite              R/R    6-3   210    26    San Ramon, Calif.

Catchers                 B/T   Ht.    Wt.   Age   Residence

Bryan Holaday      R/R   6-0    205     25      Dallas

Brad Davis             R/R   6-1    190     30     Mission Viejo, Calif.

Infielders               B/T    Ht.    Wt.  Age   Residence

Argenis Diaz         R/R    6-0    190    26     Guatire, Venez.

Jordan Lennerton L/L    6-2    230    27    Langley, B.C.

John Lindsey         R/R   6-2    255    36    Hattiesburg, Miss.

Gustavo Nunez      S/R   5-10  170    25    San Pedro de Marcoris, D.R.

Kevin Russo          R/R  5-11   190    28   Boulder, Colo.

Danny Worth        R/R  5-11   185    27    Valencia, Calif.

Outfielders            B/T    Ht.   Wt.   Age   Residence

Quintin Berry        L/L    6-0    175    28    San Diego

Nick Castellanos  R/R   6-4    210    21    Davie, Fla.

Danny Dorn         L/L    6-2    205    28     San Dimas, Calif.

Ben Guez              R/R   5-11  180     26    Houston

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Mud Hens 2013 preview: Starting pitchers

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Mud Hens 2013 preview: Outfielders

Mud Hens 2013 preview: Starting pitchers

There’s no way to analyze the Mud Hens’ potential roster for 2013 without looking at the Tigers’ roster for the coming season. So here’s a look at who will begin next season in Detroit and who could be in Toledo …

STARTING PITCHERS

PLAYERS LOST, DETROIT: None.

PLAYERS LOST, TOLEDO: Brooks Brown, 4-4, 4.90 ERA; Andy Oliver, 5-9, 4.88 ERA; Adam Wilk, 7-11, 2.77 ERA.

IN DETROIT FOR SURE: While the order for the rotation may be up in the air, there’s no longer any uncertainty about the names. … Justin Verlander will lead the rotation after posting a 17-8 record and 2.64 ERA one season after winning the American League’s Cy Young and MVP awards. … Doug Fister has been solid since he was acquired in trade from Seattle. Last season he overcame injuries to go 10-10 with a 3.45 ERA. … Max Scherzer finished second in the AL in strikeouts last season with 231, trailing only Verlander. He was 16-7 with a 3.74 ERA. … Anibal Sanchez came to the Tigers in a trade with Florida and was 4-6 with a 3.74 ERA before flourishing in the playoffs. … Rick Porcello was 10-12 with a 4.59 ERA at age 23 last season. He won a job in the rotation with an outstanding spring.

IN DETROIT OR IN TOLEDO? While Drew Smyly will begin the season in Detroit’s bullpen, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in Toledo at some point this season. Smyly made a strong push to enter the Tigers’ rotation – so strong, in fact, that Detroit kept him instead of farming him out to the Mud Hens. But it might make sense to send him to Toledo to get a few starts that would give him innings – and a chance to fill a need in the Tigers’ rotation if injuries hit.

OTHER TOLEDO OPTIONS: LHP Casey Crosby is one of the few returnees from Toledo’s rotation last season. Just 24 years old, Crosby was 7-9 with a 4.01 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 126 innings for the Hens. … RHP Shawn Hill is a veteran who has pitched in the majors with Montreal/Washington, San Diego and Toronto. Last season he was 9-2 with a 4.52 ERA in 15 starts for Las Vegas in the Pacific Coast League. … LHP Jose Alvarez is just 23 years old and made an impression on the Tigers in spring training. Last season he was 6-9 with 4.22 ERA for Jacksonville in the Double-A Southern League. That’s one of the questions regarding Alvarez: He has never pitched above Double-A. … LHP Pat Misch has pitched for San Francisco and the New York Mets and also has spent at least part of the last four seasons in the IL. Last season he was 7-12 with a 4.98 ERA for Lehigh Valley. … LHP Duane Below spent most of last season with Detroit but made a late-season cameo with the Hens and was 1-2 with a 6.23 ERA. In 2011 he was 9-4 with a 3.13 ERA with Toledo.

POTENTIAL HELP FROM ERIE: The most familiar name for Tigers and Hens fans is LHP Kyle Lobstein, Detroit’s Rule 5 pick who will stay with the organization. Last season Lobstein was 8-7 with a 4.06 ERA with Montgomery in the Southern League. … Another familiar name, at least in Toledo, is LHP Ramon Garcia. Last season split time between the SeaWolves (9-10, 3.96) and the Mud Hens (1-3, 8.46). … Among the pitchers who may move up from Hi-A Lakeland to earn spots in the Erie rotation are LHP Alex Burgos, who was 8-10 with a 4.90 ERA with the Flying Tigers, and RHP Luis Sanz, who was 11-3 with a 3.46 ERA with the Flying Tigers. … A name to watch is that of RHP Drew VerHagen. He was 0-3 with a 3.67 ERA in eight late-season appearances for the Flying Tigers in his first season in the organization.

THE LAST WORD: In Detroit, the starters are set. The only questions remains whether Smyly will get enough bullpen work to remain sharp should he need to enter the rotation. … In Toledo, the Hens have a good mix of youth (Crosby, Alvarez) and experience (Hill, Misch). The good news for the Tigers is that some of Toledo’s starters also showed promise to fill holes in Detroit if a need arises.. … As for Erie, the SeaWolves have a number of interesting arms to watch. Lobstein is the best-known to the Tigers brass since he competed for a bullpen spot in spring training.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29: A look at the relief pitching in Detroit, Toledo and Erie.

Click here to take a look at the potential outfielders for the Mud Hens this season. Click here to take a look at the potential infielders for the Mud Hens this season. And click here to read an overview of the team for the coming year.

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Mud Hens 2013 preview: Outfielders

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