The Detroit Tigers made a series of moves affecting the bullpen and the catcher's positions. Joba Chamberlain and Tom Gorzelanny were designated for assignment because of recent poor play. At the catcher's position, Alex Avila was activated from the 15-day disabled list and will rejoin the Tigers. 

Chamberlain and Gorzelanny were replaced by right-handed pitchers Jeff Ferrell from the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens along with Drew VerHagen from Double-A Erie SeaWolves. 

Avila, who has not been active since May 7 because of his left knee injury, has finally been activated. With a corresponding move, the Tigers optioned catcher Bryan Holaday to Triple-A Toledo. Avila is expected to start more often than James McCann, who has put up outstanding numbers during the absence of Avila. 

Over 18 games pitched between Triple-A and Double-A this season, Ferrell has posted a 1.61 ERA, giving up 21 hits and four walks. The righty has completed 13 saves in 14 chances. The 26th-round draft pick in 2010 has dominated with a 0.86 WHIP in the Minors during 2015. 

VerHagen is a bit of a different story. He posted a 0-1 record with a 10.38 ERA over three games with Triple-A and was immediately sent down. The 24-year-old figured himself out and fashioned a 2-0 record with a 2.70 ERA over five games at the Double-A level. Combined, he is 2-1 with a 5.73 ERA over eight games in the Minors. VerHagen has pitched 11.0 innings and shows a 1.86 ground-outs-to-air-outs ratio.

The Tigers' regular starting catcher is back in action, but that might not be a good thing for the team. Avila has played in 22 games this season and shows a .200/.342/.317 batting line. He has added only two home runs and eight RBI to his resume. 

Meanwhile, McCann, the back-up to Avila, is slashing .268/.305/.419 with four home runs and 17 RBI over 54 games. McCann is very clutch, hitting an inside-the-park home run late in a game and two walk-off home runs during his short span as the starting catcher. McCann deserves the starting role, but it is the boss's choice, and obviously Brad Ausmus thinks that Avila is the best choice going forward.