DETROIT (AP) — Tigers left-hander Phil Coke is moving back to the bullpen after struggling in his first half-season as a regular starter.
Coke is 1-8 with a 4.91 ERA after allowing seven earned runs in four-plus innings against the New York Mets on Wednesday night. Left-handed rookie Charlie Furbush will move from the bullpen to the rotation.
Coke has had tough luck at times this season. He threw 6 1-3 scoreless innings in a no-decision June 13 against Tampa Bay, but in his last three starts, he allowed 16 runs in 13 2-3 innings.
Furbush has made 12 appearances, all in relief. He’s 1-1 with a 2.49 ERA.