MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Putkonen Returns to West Michigan for Rehab

Published on May 6, 2014 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Five years after spending the summer of 2009 with the West Michigan Whitecaps, Detroit Tigers' relief pitcher Luke Putkonen will return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Wednesday as part of a Major League rehabilitation assignment.

Putkonen, 27, is scheduled to throw one inning of relief during the Whitecaps' 11:00 a.m. School Day game on Wednesday against the Lake County Captains. He is expected to enter the game following starting pitcher Austin Kubitza.

The right-handed long reliever was placed on Detroit's disabled list with right elbow inflammation on April 19 following his second appearance of the year. Putkonen made the Tigers' roster out of Spring Training after spending most of the last two seasons in Detroit, going 1-5 with a 4.66 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 48.1 innings over 44 career Major League appearances.

A third-round pick out of the University of North Carolina in 2007, Putkonen spent his first two years at the short-season level before joining the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2009. He made 28 starts for the 'Caps that summer, going 7-8 with a 3.13 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 149.1 innings. He moved on to high Class-A the next year before reaching Double-A in 2011. After starting the 2012 season in Triple-A, Putkonen made his Major League debut later that year.

Putkonen will become the 14th player to suit up for West Michigan on a rehabilitation assignment from the Detroit Tigers' since their affiliation began in 1997.

The Whitecaps continue a six-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark with a 6:35 p.m. start on Tuesday night against the Lake County Captains. RHP Buck Farmer (3-2, 2.12) is scheduled to pitch for West Michigan against RHP Dace Kime (0-4, 8.86) of Lake County. In addition to a pre-game hat giveaway sponsored by FOX-17, hot dogs will be available for just 10 cents on the first Dime Dog Night of the season. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

Check out the West Michigan Whitecaps Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from May 6, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central