Miner optioned to Triple-A by Tigers

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Tigers optioned pitcher Zach Miner to Triple-A Toledo and recalled Aquilino Lopez prior to Wednesday's game against the Twins. Lopez was in uniform for the contest.

"Zach is going to be back, there is no doubt in my mind," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "He has quality Major League stuff. He just has to believe in his stuff as much as we do."

Miner had a 4.23 ERA in 32 appearances this season. He walked four batters in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to Minnesota, drawing Leyland's ire. Miner has allowed 12 baserunners in his past three appearances.

Leyland said Miner has to work on his control. On Tuesday, Miner needed 49 pitches to complete two innings.

"You just can't do that," Leyland said.

Lopez allowed seven walks in 33 2/3 innings in his stint with Detroit earlier in the year.

"One thing we know about Lopez is he's a strike thrower," Leyland said.

Lopez was 2-1 with a 2.67 ERA in 23 appearances with the Tigers in 2008 before being sent down. He was optioned to Toledo on June 15 when reliever Fernando Rodney was activated from the disabled list.

Leyland said Lopez could pitch on Wednesday if needed. Both Lopez and left-hander Casey Fossum can spot start if the team is in a pinch, according to Leyland.

Miner, meanwhile, will start games at Toledo, which may help his command.

"When he is [throwing] 93-94, he's not as good as he is when he is 91-92," Leyland said. "I think sometimes when you start, you back off a little bit because you don't throw that same pace, and you become better -- you have better control."