Fri Aug 22 21:47:48 2008

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Tigers put Robertson in bullpen

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Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - Struggling Detroit Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson has been removed from the team's starting rotation and put in the bullpen.

Robertson has been a starter for the Tigers since 2004, and he made at least 30 starts from 2004-2007. But he posted a 7-10 record in 26 outings this season with a 6.09 earned run average -- a career-worst during a season in which he's thrown at least 40 innings.

In his last start, on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers, Robertson gave up five home runs, eight total hits and four walks on the way to allowing eight runs -- six earned -- in just 3 2/3 innings.

The lefty will head to the bullpen to work on his pitches, especially a slider that he said has not been consistently effective, and make relief appearances at manager Jim Leyland's discretion.