Ausmus says no to adding Infante to Tigers’ CF mix – Detroit News – The Detroit News

Omar Infante(Photo: Robin Buckson, Detroit News)

Sarasota, Fla. Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila, chatting informally with a group of reporters before the game Sunday, mentioned that he was intrigued by the idea of seeing Omar Infante play in center field.

You should ask Brad about that, he said, impishly.

Clearly, Avila and manager Brad Ausmus had already discussed the possibility of throwing Infante, a veteran middle infielder, into the mix in center field. And, clearly, Avila knew which side of the fence his manager was on.

Right now we have too many guys working in center field to add another to the mix, Ausmus said. Its hard enough to get Andrew Romine out there. Right now, to add another guy to the mix, let alone a guy who has never played center, is a little bit tough.

We only have so many games and there is only one center field. Its not going to happen.

The battle for the center field job remains wide open. It was muddled further Sunday with the news that Tyler Collins' lat muscle flared again. He was scratched from the lineup, where he was to bat second and play left field.

Collins was unable to play in the outfield for the first two weeks of spring training because of a lat strain. Hes day-to-day again.

Its not the same area, Ausmus said. The lat is a big muscle. This time its more toward the spine. Im not concerned now. But if he says hes healthy again and five days later it flares up again, now we may be a lot more concerned.

Non-roster invitee Juan Perez started in center field against the Orioles Sunday. Mikie Mahtook, who along with Collins are presumed to be the opening day platoon, was the designated hitter.

Perezs reputation is that hes real good defensively, Ausmus said. And we need defense in center field at Comerica Park. Hes a right-hand bat so hes another right-handed option.

Reliever Nesbitt showing flashes of springs of yore

Collins and Anthony Gose are the left-handed hitting options in center. Mahtook, JaCoby Jones and Perez are the right-handed options. Romine is a switch-hitter.

You can understand Ausmus reluctance to add another contestant to the mix.

We want to give everyone a fair opportunity and we also want to get enough information so we can make an informed decision when we decide what direction we want to go in center field, Ausmus said.

Adding Infante to the mix isnt happening. Unless Al forces my hand (wry smile). If that happens, you know my hand was forced.

Martinez update

The Tigers were still in a holding pattern regarding right fielder J.D. Martinez, who left the game Saturday with a right mid-foot sprain.

X-rays taken Saturday were negative. He had an MRI Sunday morning. Avila and Ausmus were still waiting on the results.

Twitter @cmccosky

Visit link:

Ausmus says no to adding Infante to Tigers' CF mix - Detroit News - The Detroit News