MARCH 26: The Tigers announced that they have granted Garcia his unconditional release.
MARCH 25: Veteran infielder Greg Garcia will not make the Tigers’ season-opening roster, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com was among those to report. It’s unclear whether Garcia, who signed a minor league contract with an opt-out clause in the offseason, will remain with the organization.
A Cardinal and Padre from 2014-20, Garcia carries quite a bit of experience in the middle infield and at third base. The Tigers are slated to start Jonathan Schoop at second base, Willi Castro at shortstop and Jeimer Candelario at the hot corner, but Garcia could eventually factor in as a backup at those positions if he does stay with the club. Along with providing defensive versatility, the 31-year-old has batted a respectable .245/.354/.339 in 1,303 major league plate appearances.
In other Tigers news, manager AJ Hinch announced Thursday that catcher Grayson Greiner has made the roster as Wilson Ramos’ backup, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic relays. Non-roster invitees Dustin Garneau and Eric Haase will remain with the team until the end of the spring, but it’s unknown whether they’ll stick around beyond then.
The Tigers seem to have quite a bit of depth in the infield. Garcia looked solid but not enough to open a roster spot. Looks like Harold Castro will be playing at the alternative site,too. Greiner was the expected back up, and the other C’s did nothing to change that.
All three of the backup catchers hit well in spring training.
LOL
Long-term, I’m hoping Rogers works out at C, it’s definitely the right move getting him regular playing time this year.
Same deal with Parades, no reason to keep him up for very limited action.
Tigers aren’t world beaters this season, but this will be the best team they have fielded in years. I think they’ll be competitive by 2022 and then have a nice multi-year window following that.
Man Rogers’s stock has fallen off a cliff
Tigers are likely to keep Badoo, at least to open the season. Niko Goodrum should be the backup Infielder. Greiner is the back up Catcher. They will likely have to choose between Christen Stewart and Victor Reyes for the last spot assuming they open with 9 Relievers in the bullpen.
Stewart was optioned a while ago.
Stewart was sent down long ago and showed nothing this spring. Reyes should be on the team but the wasted signing of Mazzaro puts him on the bubble with Harold Castro and Renaulto Nunez. The correct solution would be to carry 8 relievers. Joe Jimenez has done nothing to start with the team.
JaCoby Jones and Renato Nunez had a terrible Spring whereas Eric Haase had a great Spring. Perhaps Haase can learn to play 1B. He’s from Detroit Metro. Isn’t it time to move on from Jones?
When he’s not been injured, Jones has produced a decent average, and power. He’s usually solid defensively. Considering who they currently have, Jones is their best outfielder.
Absolutely wrong. Jones is a lifetime 214 hitter and his defense now ranks toward the bottom. It makes no sense to keep him. Victor is better and Badoo deserves a look. Meanwhile, they cut Nunez and keep goodrum’s 44% strikeout rate.
You’re evaluating a player on one spring? Really?
Yes, let’s take a minor league journeyman catcher and make him a first baseman. Let’s cut the guy who had 30hr 2 years ago. Brilliant!
East County Represent! Hope you find a team to play with Greg, wish you were still with the home team Padres. Gonna miss seeing you and Ty France represent East County at Petco Park.
At least the Pads have Musgrove reppin.
His name is Earl.
Rogers will be a player to be named later in next seasons trade deadline. He has had his chance here, Dingler is the new golden boy behind the plate.
How much did Garcia regress if he can’t even make the tigers roster? I saw he batted .200 and .520 OPS last year so looks like he hasnt improved.
Wish he would come to the Cardinals rather than Edmundo Sosa!!