Inge (rehab), Hollimon (coming), Santiago (going) all contribute

7/8/2008

Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish hasn't been able to spend much time dwelling on his team's recent losing streak. His focus has been on trying to keep track of what players are on his active roster.

The biggest addition to the roster was Brandon Inge, who began a rehab assignment in Toledo last night.

Inge, who went on Tigers' disabled list retroactive to June 23 with a pulled oblique muscle, served as the Hens' DH last night and had a home run plus a walk in four plate appearances.

Inge is expected to catch five innings for Toledo tonight and tomorrow, then serve as the DH when the team begins a series in Indianapolis Thursday. His status will be evaluated after Thursday's game.

"I'm excited that I don't feel any pain," Inge said while signing autographs by the Hens' dugout after the game.

"I didn't have any pain catching or throwing, so if I didn't feel pain while hitting, I'll feel pretty good about it."

The Mud Hens got another player from Detroit as the Tigers sent infielder Michael Hollimon back to the Hens. Hollimon played second base yesterday and drew a walk in four plate

appearances.

Hollimon's spot on the Detroit roster will be filled by Ramon Santiago, who finished his rehab assignment with the Mud Hens by starting at shortstop last night and had a big night, collecting three singles and a double in four at-bats.

Santiago stayed with Toledo one more day yesterday because the Tigers had a day off before beginning a series with Cleveland tonight.

The Mud Hens also made a roster move yesterday, activating pitcher Jeremy Johnson from the disabled list. Johnson, who went on the DL May 30 with a right elbow strain, will replace Lauren Gagnier, who was sent to Double-A Erie.

Parrish said Johnson, who made eight starts for Toledo before the injury, will move to the bullpen and Anastacio Martinez will take Gagnier's spot in the rotation and start Thursday in Indianapolis.

INJURY UPDATES: Parrish got good news and bad news before yesterday's game.

The good news was that Jeff Larish was able to return to the lineup after missing Sunday's game because of illness.

The bad news was that Fernando Seguignol wasn't available after suffering a bruised heel running out a triple on Sunday. Parrish said Seguignol's return to the lineup is day-to-day.

MORE FAMILIAR FACES: The Mud Hens had a few visitors in the clubhouse before yesterday's game. With Detroit's off day, pitchers Freddy Dolsi, Aquilino Lopez and Fernando Rodney were at Fifth Third Field during batting practice.

THREE-DOT DATA: The victory helped the Mud Hens tie some dubious history. Toledo had lost five straight home games before last night, one short of the Fifth Third Field record for consecutive losses set in 2004. The only lowlight for the Hens came on the bases. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre catcher Chris Stewart picked Santiago off second and threw out two potential base stealers, and starting pitcher Jeff Karstens picked Freddy Guzman off first. The pickoffs of Santiago and Guzman came back-to-back in the fifth. Inge provided a postgame spread of P.F. Chang's for his teammates.