Lefty from Britton picked up by Detroit Tigers

Duane Below has made the big leagues. The Britton native had good success while playing in the Minor Leagues for the Detroit Tigers’ organization over the last five seasons, but a Tommy John surgery last June on his pitching elbow put a question mark on the rest of his professional pitching career.The surgeons must have got it right as Below’s health has improved enough to make the Detroit Tigers’ 40-man roster this year.The Tigers purchased the contracts of six prospects this year to protect them from being available in the Rule 5 Draft and Below was one of the picks as a 6’2”, 205-pound left handed pitcher.The newcomers include another lefty, Cale Iorg, the Tigers' shortstop prospect, Charlie Furbush, out of Double-A Erie, and right-handers Lester Oliveros, Jose Ortega and Brayan Villarreal.Below has a five-year overall record of 32-28 with the Tigers organization. He was drafted by the Tigers in the 19th round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft. He led the West Michigan Whitecaps to a 2007 Midwest League championship and was named the Detroit Tigers' Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Last year with the Erie SeaWolves he went 7-12 with a 4.93 ERA in 28 starts at Erie, striking out 103 batters over 126 innings.The Tigers designated Zach Miner (elbow) for assignment Monday, according to Detroit Free Press reports. The Tigers’ website said the move was made to clear room on the 40-man roster for catcher Victor Martinez. Miner missed all of the 2010 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May. The 28-year-old pitcher posted a 4.24 ERA with a record of 25-20 in 157 appearances with the Tigers.