DETROIT -- It appears the Detroit Tigers are about to add a new reliever to the mix.

Justin Miller, a hard-throwing right-hander, was informed after Triple-A Toledo's loss Thursday that he is being called up to Detroit, The Toledo Blade's John Wagner

.

The move hasn't been made official by the Tigers, but Miller is expected to join the team Friday before the opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Tigers are likely to announce a corresponding move prior to Friday's game. Right-handed relievers Evan Reed and Luke Putkonen and left-hander Phil Coke are among a few of the relievers who the Tigers could consider optioning to the minors or designating for assignment in order to clear a spot for Miller. Reed is out of options.

Rookie outfielder Tyler Collins could also be the odd-man out as he has plenty of options remaining and isn't expected to see much playing time with two left-handed pitchers set to start for the Angels this weekend.

It will mark the first roster move for Tigers since the start of the regular season.

Miller, 26, signed a minor league deal with the Tigers last September after he was released by the Texas Rangers earlier in the month.

A candidate to compete for a spot in the Tigers' bullpen this spring, Miller was optioned to Toledo in mid-March. He hasn't allowed an earned run in four appearances at Toledo, allowing only three hits in 4 2/3 innings. He has struck out six and walked one.

It's possible the Tigers will make the move in an effort to add depth to their bullpen in preparation for Drew Smyly, who is set to make his debut in the Tigers' rotation Friday.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus confirmed early Thursday that Smyly, who hasn't thrown more than three innings in a single appearance this season, will be on a pitch count.

Five different relievers made appearances in the Tigers' 7-5 win Thursday, which marked the second of 12 straight games for the Tigers.

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