Tigers dump Chamberlain, Gorzelanny and call up Avila

The Detroit Tigers today made a slew of roster moves, including reinstating catcher Alex Avila from the disabled list and designating for assignment struggling relievers Joba Chamberlain and Tom Gorzelanny.

After one appearance with Triple-A Toledo, Jeff Ferrell is poised to make his major league debut tonight. And after being converted to a relief role early this season, Drew VerHagen will join the Tigers from Double-A Erie for tonight's game against the Toronto Blue Jays (7 p.m., FSD).

They will take the spots of Chamberlain and Gorzelanny in the team's bullpen.

Bryan Holaday has been optioned to Toledo to make room for Avila.

Chamberlain has struggled as of late, most notably Wednesday night, when he allowed three solo home runs in an inning of relief against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Over the past week, the veteran righty has allowed six runs on eight hits in five appearances.

Entering June, Chamberlain had a 1.26 ERA. But in the 10 appearances since, it has jumped to 4.09.

Chamberlain, 29, re-signed with the Tigers for $1 million in the off-season.

Gorzelanny also was a $1-million off-season signing by general manager Dave Dombrowski. He has struggled from the outset, posting a 6.38 ERA in 30 games.

Gorzelanny, an 11-year veteran, has allowed 17 runs on 32 hits in 24 innings. His WHIP is 1.95.

Chamberlain and Gorzelanny now will be exposed on waivers and can be claimed by any team willing to make room for them on their 25-man roster.

If either clears waivers and elects to refuse their assignment to Toledo, they would become a free agent and forfeit the remainder of their 2015 salaries.

Both call-ups are fresh, with only VerHagen carrying major league experience.

Ferrell, 24, recently was promoted to Toledo from Erie, where he posted a 1.67 ERA in 17 appearances. He recorded 15 saves. Ferrell made one appearance with the Mud Hens, on June 29, picking up the save in a scoreless ninth inning against Durham.

He was drafted by the Tigers in the 26th round of the 2010 MLB draft.

VerHagen, 24, was shifted to the bullpen this season. He has made eight relief appearances between Toledo and Erie.

He made a spot start for the Tigers last season, throwing five innings against the Cleveland Indians on July 19.

VerHagen was drafted by the Tigers in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB draft.

After getting swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit is .500 this season.

Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech.