Astros claimed LHP Darin Downs off waivers from the Tigers. Downs battled a shoulder injury for much of this season, but he struck out over a batter per inning when healthy. He should fill a middle relief role for the Astros next season.

Tigers recalled LHP Darin Downs from Triple-A Toledo. The 28-year-old southpaw has appeared in 26 games for the Tigers this season, posting a 5.18 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 37/10 K/BB ratio over 33 innings of work. The Tigers have struggled to find steady left-handed specialists in the bullpen this season, which is the role Downs will be used in over the final three weeks.

Tigers activated LHP Darin Downs from the 15-day disabled list; optioned him to Triple-A Toledo. Downs is over his shoulder ailment, but there's no room for him in the bullpen at the moment. He should be back up in September.

Darin Downs (shoulder) will move his rehab assignment to Triple-A Toledo on Sunday. Downs has been out since early July with left rotator cuff tendinitis, but didn't report any setbacks in his first rehab appearance for Low-A Michigan on Saturday. If all goes well, he could return Wednesday against the Nationals.

Darin Downs (shoulder) could be activated from the disabled list Friday. Downs struck out one in a perfect inning for Low-A Michigan Thursday, and it sounds like that's the only rehab outing he'll need. "Darin looked good," Whitecaps pitching coach Mike Henneman said. "No pain. Looks good to go."

Darin Downs (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A West Michigan on Wednesday. Downs was cleared after throwing live BP Monday with no issues. It's possible he could be ready for activation before the end of the month.

Darin Downs (shoulder) threw live batting practice Monday. Downs has been out since early July with left rotator cuff tendinitis, but he's apparently making some progress. It's not clear when he might rejoin the Tigers' bullpen.

Tigers placed LHP Darin Downs on the 15-day disabled list with left rotator cuff tendinitis. Perhaps it could explain Downs' struggles of late, as he holds a 10.13 ERA since the beginning of June after getting off to a nice start. It's not clear how long he'll be sidelined.

Darin Downs has cracked Detroit's Opening Day bullpen. Downs posted a 0.64 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 16/3 K/BB ratio across 14 innings this spring in the Grapefruit League to earn the job. The 28-year-old lefty should do fine.

Left-hander Darin Downs is up to six scoreless innings this spring after retiring three of the four Blue Jays he faced Wednesday. Downs is likely to make the Tigers as things stand now, but that would probably change if the team goes outside the organization for a closer. As is, Phil Coke would be the favorite for saves, and since he'll often be saved for the ninth, a second lefty would be a pretty valuable piece for the pen.