DETROIT, April 22 (UPI) -- The Detroit Tigers placed catcher Mitch Meluskey on the 15-day disabled list Monday with lower back pain.
A backup to rookie Mike Rivera, Meluskey has gotten off to a slow start this season, hitting just .222 (6-for-27) with one RBI in eight games.
Acquired from Houston in December 2000, Meluskey missed his entire first season in Detroit after undergoing shoulder surgery.
The Tigers also activated infielder Damian Jackson from the 15-day disabled list. Sidelined since April 7 with lacerations of his right middle finger, Jackson is hitless in four at-bats this season.
In other moves, Detroit designated lefthander Matt Perisho for assignment, optioned outfielder Craig Monroe to Class AAA Toledo of the International League, recalled catcher Brandon Inge from Toledo and purchased the contract of righthander Julio Santana from Toledo.
