A second opinion from Dr. James Andrews has confirmed that Luke Putkonen (elbow) does not need surgery. "There's no talk of surgery," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "Just treatment and rehab." Putkonen, who has been on the disabled list since mid-April with right elbow inflammation, was recently pulled off his rehab assignment due to renewed soreness. It's not clear how much longer he'll be sidelined.

Luke Putkonen (elbow) has been recalled from his rehab assignment and will visit Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday. Well, that's never a good sign. Putkonen had appeared in three rehab games but is evidently still having issues with his pitching elbow. He went on the DL in mid-April with what was called elbow inflammation at the time. It sounds like the injury is worse than originally thought, but we'll just have to see what Dr. Andrews says.

Luke Putkonen (elbow) will begin a minor league rehab assignment Wednesday with Class A West Michigan. Putkonen has been sidelined for two weeks with right elbow inflammation. The Tigers could send him to Triple-A once he's back to full health.

Luke Putkonen (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday. And he woke up Saturday with no issues. Putkonen is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Sunday and could be an option for the Tigers' bullpen in a week.

Tigers placed RHP Luke Putkonen on the 15-day disabled list with elbow inflammation. The move creates roster space for J.D. Martinez, who was promoted from Triple-A Toledo. Putkonen, over 2 2/3 innings spanning two appearances, has allowed eight runs on two walks and six hits, including two home runs.

Tigers optioned RHP Luke Putkonen to Triple-A Toledo. The Tigers needed to create room on the roster for OF J.D. Martinez, and Putkonen was the man to go. In 2 2/3 innings over two appearances, Putkonen allowed eight runs, allowing two walks and six hits, including two home runs.

Luke Putkonen retired all four Nationals he faced on Thursday and has yet to allow a run in 10 1/3 innings this spring. He's allowed just three hits in his eight appearances. Putkonen looked like something of an underdog to win a spot in Detroit's revamped bullpen at the beginning of the spring, but it will be hard not to take him now.

Tigers reassigned RHP Luke Putkonen to the minor leagues. Phil Coke, who has dealt with soreness in his flexor tendon since mid-September, was added to the Tigers' ALCS roster, taking Putkonen's spot. Coke won't be used in high-leverage situations initially. The 27-year-old Putkonen logged a 3.03 ERA over 30 relief appearances for Detroit in 2013.

Tigers recalled RHP Luke Putkonen from Triple-A Toledo. The 27-year-old right-hander has a cool 2.78 ERA and 21/7 K/BB ratio in 22 2/3 innings this season with Detroit. Putkonen will pitch in a middle relief role.

Tigers optioned RHP Luke Putkonen to Triple-A Toledo. Putkonen was just recalled on Wednesday and has 2.78 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 22 2/3 innings. He'll continue to serve as bullpen depth in the minors.