DETROIT -- Al Alburquerque hadn't seen an eighth-inning lead from the mound since mid-April until he handled the eighth Saturday in what was an 8-1 game. For that matter, Alburquerque only had one lead to protect since Memorial Day. It's entirely possible he'll have more games to protect from here, but nobody knows -- not even Tigers manager Brad Ausmus.
Ausmus has spent the better part of his season-and-a-half managerial tenure preferring set bullpen roles, letting guys get an idea when to expect to be ready. But when Detroit designated Joba Chamberlain and Tom Gorzelanny for assignment, any remaining order -- some of which had already dissipated with their struggles -- went with them.