MINNEAPOLIS -- The Detroit Tigers sent out one right-handed reliever for another.

The Tigers announced Saturday morning that they have optioned right-hander Justin Miller to Triple-A Toledo and have recalled right-hander Jose Ortega.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said the move was made strictly because the Tigers needed a fresh arm after using several relief pitchers Friday night as well as the previous few days.

"We ran through so many arms," Ausmus said. "It wasn't anything Justin did."

Why was it Miller? Because of the five right-handers in the bullpen, only he and Al Alburquerque can be optioned. Obviously, Joe Nathan and Joba Chamberlain aren't going anywhere. Evan Reed is out of options and can't be sent to Toledo without clearing waivers.

There are relief pitchers in Toledo who have better numbers than Ortega, so why him? It appears that the fact that he can pitch multiple innings, if needed, was a key factor. The Tigers are without long man Luke Putkonen (disabled list, elbow). Since the Tigers are shorthanded in the bullpen, having someone who could pitch multiple innings was key.

Miller allowed one run on four hits and struck out three in four games for the Tigers after being promoted from Triple-A Toledo to replace Putkonen. Miller pitched two-thirds of an inning Friday night in his team's 10-6 win over the Twins. He was charged with a run in that game and allowed both runners he inherited to score.

Ortega is 1-1 with a 3.91 ERA in 11 1/3 innings for Toledo this season. He has allowed 11 hits, struck out 10 and walked six. Ortega was already on the 40-man roster, so no corresponding 40-man move was necessary.

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