During the first three starts of his return from shoulder surgery, Kenny Rogers looked like the ace who zeroed the Yankees, A’s, and Cardinals last October.

Over the last three, though, he went 0-2 with a 9.98 ERA.

And now we may know why.

The Tigers placed Rogers on the disabled list today, with left elbow inflammation, and recalled right-hander Jordan Tata to start in his place Monday.

• KENNY DOWN: Tigers place Rogers on DL; Tata called up