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Splitter decision

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Updated Aug 7, 2009 2:30 PM ET
     
 
DETROIT -- Jeremy Bonderman threw a new pitch in Tuesday night's rehabilitation assignment outing in Toledo. Detroit Tigers teammate Nate Robertson called them "funny pitches" and complimented Bonderman on their effectiveness. "Yeah, I threw some splits," Bonderman said. He threw four split-finger fastballs among 13 pitches in a 1-2-3 inning for the Mud Hens. It was Bonderman's first game action since June 8, when he gave up three home runs in four innings to the Chicago White Sox. He returned to the disabled list after the start to focus on strengthening his shoulder. "The first split was a called strike," Bonderman said. "It felt great. The second was a swing and miss, and the third one got fouled off. The fourth one went to the backstop." The splitter, which Jack Morris mastered for Detroit 25 years ago with the pitch's guru, former Detroit pitching coach Roger Craig -- can be as tough on catchers as it is hitters. It could prove to be the perfect complement to Bonderman's fastball, which has lost velocity since he underwent surgery last season. Tigers bullpen coach Jeff Jones and others helped teach him the new pitch. "They said I had big enough hands to get around it," Bonderman said. Robertson throws, too Robertson, on a 40-pitch limit, threw strikes on 31 of 39 pitches Tuesday night at Triple-A Toledo. He allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings in his first rehabilitation assignment since four fatty deposits were removed from his left elbow five weeks ago. "I was happy to stay in the zone so well like that," Robertson said. "Command is usually what comes last. I was really happy with the outing." He said some swelling remains, which causes a "heavy arm sensation" that will subside once a pool of fluid is re-absorbed and flushed out. Robertson said he will start Saturday in Toledo, and will increase his pitch count to 40-50 pitches. He will start every fifth day until he is ready to return to Detroit. Avila's number called Catcher Alex Avila, 22, was handed a number he had never worn before when he reported to the Tigers on Wednesday. It was No. 13, and he was told an outstanding catcher once wore that number in Detroit. Lance Parrish, a six-time All-Star who led Detroit in homers five consecutive years, 1980-84, and to a World Series win in 1984, also wore No. 13. Avila went from being a fifth-round pick out of the University of Alabama last June to the majors in less than 14 months. He will make his major league debut by starting this afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles.
Tagged: Tigers

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