The Tigers announced this morning that they’ve placed second baseman Ian Kinsler on the 10-day DL with a left hamstring strain. In addition, they’ve optioned lefty Chad Bell to Triple-A Toledo, recalled outfielder JaCoby Jones from Toledo, purchased the contract of righty Arcenio Leon and designated righty William Cuevas for assignment.
Kinsler left a game last Saturday due to hamstring trouble, but returned to play this week. He generally struggled, however, batting 4-for-22 since Saturday. It isn’t clear how long he’ll need to be out. The team has Andrew Romine and Dixon Machado to take his place. Jones also played shortstop during his early years in the minors, but has never played second base as a pro and figures as more of a third baseman and outfielder at this point.
The 30-year-old Leon pitched well for Toledo (3.15 ERA, 7.6 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 in 20 innings, earning what could be his first taste of big-league action after 12 seasons in the Astros, Brewers, White Sox and Tigers systems. His roster spot comes at the expense of Cuevas, who posted a 4.06 ERA, 6.9 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 34 1/3 innings in the Mud Hens’ rotation. Cuevas also appeared once for the Tigers this year, allowing four runs in just a third of an inning.
All these older Tiger players should have been traded during the offseason. The only one that may have helped his value is JD Martinez and he is coming off an injury.
Supply and demand. Although I’m sure a lot of teams would have liked having some of the older guys, their contracts are whopping and the Tigers would have to absorb a lot of the cost. Also, even though he’s still productive, Cabrera’s glory days are definitely a thing of the past.
In what way? He’s at a better pace than Hank Aaron was at age 33. Plus he has the benefit of the DH. Miggy will be a dangerous hitter till he retires. Maybe not triple crown dangerous, but definitely middle of the order for at least 5 more years.
“Maybe not triple crown dangerous” – you said it yourself. Those would be his glory days, and they appear to be gone. His peak was so high that even though he is falling off, he will remain productive – just not what he was.
Not all of the contracts are whopping. It’s mostly just the Cabrera contract who is signed until his age 42 season. JD, Kinsler, and Verlander are the main guys I am talking about.
Exactly, he’ll be like Big Papa if not better.
So who will the Tigers trade at the Trade deadline? Or will we end up having to keep everyone because they are to old and their contact don’t reflect their current value?