The Tigers have agreed to a minor league contract with outfielder David Lough, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Lough, 31, spent last year with the Phillies and Marlins organizations. All 79 of his major league plate appearances came with Philadelphia, which designated him for assignment June 2 after he hit .239/.342/.313 there and .270/.331/.365 in 139 PAs with its Triple-A affiliate. Lough also struggled with Miami’s Triple-A club, albeit over a mere 32 PAs, with a .200/.226/.267 line.
In 820 trips to the plate with the Royals, Orioles and Phillies, the lefty-swinging Lough has batted .254/.300/.371 while garnering time at all three outfield spots. Detroit has two proven corner outfielders in Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez, but its only center field options – Tyler Collins, Mikie Mahtook, JaCoby Jones and Anthony Gose – haven’t established themselves. Neither has corner outfield reserve Steven Moya, so Lough could perhaps find his way to the Tigers’ bench at some point this year.
Pretty good chance for him there, considering how weak their OF is up the middle.
I don’t remember how Lough’s defense is in CF, but he’s a hustle guy who will do whatever it takes and I could easily see him making it in Detroit.
By the way, I love your screen name, Sam
Anyone know why his Twitter account is suspended? (@DLOrioles)
Maybe because he’s not an Oriole anymore?
For supporting Trump.
What a waste of a signing. No Power. No Speed. No Hit tool. No OBA tool. Who would you use this guy as a pinch hitter for? Romine plays both infield and OF with a touch of speed and not much else. I would rather see him in CF than Lough. Why Avila can’t find any decent depth options is frustrating.
Minor league signing, it doesn’t cost a roster spot….nothing wasted.
Should of gave bourn a shot
So the tigers supposedly say they want to get younger and leaner for 2017? Why in the H*ll do they keep signing these 30+ year old players to minor deals? How many outfielders do you really think we need?