DETROIT — When the Tigers bullpen had to suck up four innings Friday, you kind of figured there might need to be reinforcements on the way.

And, considering the pen hasn’t been great of late, why not try a new patch?

Detroit called up right-hander Jose Ortega from Triple-A Toledo Saturday morning, and optioned Justin Miller down to make room.

Sporting a 5.40 ERA, good for second-to-last in the American League, the Tigers bullpen turned a 10-1 game when Rick Porcello left into a 10-6 game by the time closer Joe Nathan was summoned for the ninth.

It doesn’t help that the rotation had Anibal Sanchez — who hasn’t gone deeper than 6 1/3 innings in a start this season — coming up Saturday, meaning the bullpen was might be taxed again, innings-wise.

Ortega appeared in eight games for Toledo, compiling a 3.97 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP, after a scoreless inning of relief Friday night. He struck out eight and walked six in 11 1/3 innings.

Ortega has made 13 appearances for the Tigers over the last two seasons.

Miller gave up just one earned run in four appearances with the Tigers, striking out three in 5 1/3 innings.