The Tigers announced (via Twitter) that they have designated infielder Josh Wilson for assignment in order to clear space on the 40-man roster for Marc Krauss, who was claimed off waivers from the Rays yesterday.
The veteran Wilson appeared in just 11 games for the Tigers but hit well while with the team, slashing .381/.435/.429 in 23 plate appearances. Those numbers, naturally, are well above his career line of .229/.281/.318 and were due to come back down to earth anyhow.
Wilson has appeared in parts of eight Major League seasons, also seeing time with the Diamondbacks, Rangers, Mariners, Rays, Nationals, Marlins, Brewers and Padres. Though he’s never hit much in the Majors, Wilson is valued by teams for his defensive versatility, as he’s capable of playing second base, shortstop and third base. He’s also made brief appearances at first base and in left field. Defensive metrics such as Ultimate Zone Rating and Defensive Runs Saved are particularly bullish on his work at second base.
Josh might just be a very, very, very late bloomer.
seems like sending Marte down would have made more sense. I would like to see someone better than Wilson on the roster, but at the moment they don’t have one.
Sending Marte down would have only cleared a 25 man spot. DFAing Wilson clears both a 25 man spot and a 40 man spot. Had to be done.
That makes sense, but, still, I doubt if they had outrighted Marte, he would have been claimed. No loss if he had.
Marte probably has more upside than Wilson.