According to a report from ESPN’s Jim Bowden the Detroit Tigers infield was given a major blow on Sunday, when it was learned that shortstop Jose Iglesias could miss most of the 2014 season due to injuries to his shins.
The 24-year-old joined the Tigers after a trade with the Boston Red Sox last season after Jhonny Peralta was suspended for 50 games due to his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal.
More of a contact hitter, Iglesias hit .303/.349/.386 with just three home runs last season. However, Iglesias really impressed the Tigers with his outstanding defence, was seen as the long-term answer for Detroit at short. As such Peralta was allowed to leave as a free agent after the season, and he joined the St. Louis Cardinals.
For now the Tigers insist that they will try to replace Iglesias with “internal options” which could mean that Hernan Perez would be the team’s opening day shortstop.
While that is the Dave Dombrowski’s official story, rumors are swirling that the Tigers could take a run at another former Red Sox short stop, as Stephen Drew remains the best position player still on the free agent market. If the Tigers were to sign Drew they would owe the Red Sox their first round pick (and the corresponding signing bonus money) as compensation for the signing. The requirement to provide compensation has depressed the market for Drew all off-season.
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