The Tigers have traded infielder Andre Lipcius to the Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations. He had been designated for assignment by Detroit last week. The Dodgers opened up a roster spot for him by transferring left-hander Clayton Kershaw to the 60-day injured list.
Lipcius, 26 in May, will join a new organization for the first time in his career. He was selected by the Tigers in the third round of the 2019 draft and was added to their 40-man roster in November of 2022. His major league experience thus far consists of 38 plate appearances over 13 games with the Tigers last year, hitting .286/.342/.400 in that time.
During his time in the minors, he has primarily profiled as a hit-over-power utility guy. Over the past three years, he has made 1487 minor league plate appearances at various levels, walking in 13% of them while limiting his strikeouts to a 17.9% clip. He hit 36 home runs in that time and slashed a combined .264/.360/.419 for a wRC+ of 110. He hasn’t played shortstop since 2019 but has continued to play the other three infield positions, as well as getting brief looks in the outfield corners.
The Tigers bumped Lipcius off their 40-man last week when they claimed another utility infielder, Buddy Kennedy. The Dodgers had a roster spot to burn as Kershaw had shoulder surgery in the offseason and isn’t expected back until the second half of the season. They sent a bit of cash to Detroit so that they could jump the waiver claim order and add Lipcius to their roster.
Lipcius still has a couple of options and will likely be serving as a depth piece in the minors to be called upon as needed. The Dodgers have Max Muncy, Gavin Lux, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman set to be their regular infielders, with Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernández on hand as bench options. Lipcius will join Miguel Vargas and Andy Pages as optionable depth pieces on the roster.
Who? This makes somebody on the roster odd man out. My guess is Vargas.
Kershaw went to the 60 day IL. So no spot need be opened
I know, so this is not my point. My point is this seems to put Lipicus ahead of someone else to make the team, and that someone else is probably Vargas.
I don’t think Lipcius has a shot at OD roster for LA, but is more to have better 3B depth below the main roster in case of injury. With Vargas now seemingly a full time outfielder not sure they affect each other that much, and think MV might even have a tough time to make the 26 man at the start of the season as it is but I think he still has the same shot he had before. (With Taylor and Teoscar plus Kiké as RHH outfielders ahead of him, but he still has a shot as RH bench player.)
Vargas is the first guy up once someone gets hurt on the corners, I read and I’m a Tigers fan. I think Lupicus has an option or two left. He’ll definitely be in the minors on LA’s stacked team. He’s not making that team if he couldn’t make Detroit’s.
Vargas isn’t making the team either.
Barnes, Rojas, Taylor, Hernandez – that’s the bench
I’m talking if there’s an injury. They had written a few days ago that if Muncy had been banged up more than he apparently is, Vargas would’ve been his replacement.
Players don’t just make the team during on opening day. They get called up all season long, so I don’t really get the fixation there. The Dodgers have tried playing Vargas all over but still mostly on the infield. With this trade it looks like he has dropped down on the depth chart possibly behind the guy they just got.
A few days ago Vargas was their only option. They just went out and got another one. So we’ll see, but he still has a lot to prove on both sides of the ball.
Well, the depth chart is dependent on how each performs in the minors. Whoever’s playing like dogcrap in triple-A ain’t gettin the call-up….
I doubt Vargas is the first guy up my guess it’s Pages.
I was talking infielders.
True. I’m just wondering out loud if this trade suggests that the Dodgers are no longer so hopeful about a Vargas breakout. Clearly they expected one last year. They even issued him a bobblehead but he ended up spending the season in the minors.
Vargas is an outfielder now.
Could it be a Vargas trade for someone like Adames is in the fold? IMO there’s no way Lux performs well enough defensively to remain at ss all season.
He’s a depth piece. So I don’t know why you even think he’ll cost someone a spot, was my point.
You might want to check with his team on that. Last season he played around five times as many innings on the infield as the outfield. Like I said they are trying to find a place for him but for now he’s still mostly an infielder.
That’s an easy one. I never said he would.
Honestly hope Vargas gets traded he had awesome tools and has shown them throughout the minors but he needs to play consistently at the bigs
The Tigers should have tried to grab Vargas. Eddys Leonard has worked out well so far. Vargas is due for a breakout.
Vargas is in line to be a starting corner of next season
Horrible take blueskies
This kid has options and will likely be stashed as depth. I swear some of you don’t even watch baseball but just spend all your time commenting online
Lovely. Try reading again. I mean, if it isn’t too much trouble.
I think we’re all gonna pass on that one, but thanks for the offer.
Enjoy being wrong then. You’ll have lots of company.
sounds crazy to think the Dodgers would give up on MV for a guy that couldn’t make the Tigers
Mike Busch 2.0
Not at all. Busch is going to be a starter for a contending team this year while this is a guy who was just DFA’d. Plus, Busch has a lot more power.
Contending….lol
Adding a lot as always, senior.
He doesn’t look bad at all. I mean he hit above .280 when he came to the major so that big plus. Just some depth in case someone gets hurt but I’m excited to see what he can do.
He’s a decent player whose ceiling is a solid utility infielder, though more likely a career AAAA player you can rely on to fill in on the major league bench without much of a drop off.
Dodgers
“I mean he hit above .280 when he came to the major so that big plus.”
Never had a .280 or higher ratio of hits to plate appearances minus walks, hit by pitches, sacrifices, etc in the minors
ZiPS projects him for an 89 wRC+ and a bit above re0lecement level
Oh boy, the new voice of the Tigers T.V. telecast is dry as a desert. I miss Kell, Kaline, even Josh, and Jinx. Ernie whether tv or radio was a star. We all tolerated Mario and Rod, and no one cared they were removed.
With Gibby dealing with his illness, he won’t be on enough to rescue the telecast. Thankfully Cmo has improved so much he’s a welcome voice in the desert. When I tuned in today I thought I had a out of town feed, then Cmo’s voice was heard. Sure I’ll probably use the radio feed mostly this year when Gibby is not on, but it’s going to be a long season with the new voice. GO TIGERS !
who is the new voice?
Edit: looks like a bunch of old timers who are all desperately clinging to their outdated perception of baseball
mlb.com/tigers/team/broadcasters
That list is outdated. Jim Price died last year so he won’t be back. Matt Shepherd was fired so he won’t be back. And Dan Dickerson is one of the greatest radio guys working today, definitely not an ignorant old-timer. The new guy is Jason Benetti who is one of the best respected broadcasters in the league. The Tigers broadcasting is stronger than it has been since the millennium flipped.
Oh wow, did not know Benetti is with the Tigers now. That is a huge get. If OP is referring to Benetti as “dry as a desert”, then they are gravely misinformed.
Condolences to White Sox fans who have to continue enduring the drivel that Steve Stone spews out on a nightly basis.
Matt Shepherd was doing high school sports for Bally this winter so maybe he took a pay cut and got demoted
SEE BELOW..
below what, what are you talking about?
He’s one of the most respected broadcasters in the MLB. You don’t have to hate everything because it’s trendy.
Jason Benetti is a great baseball broadcaster, and the Tigers are lucky to have him.
Found Matt Sheperd’s burner account
CMO sucks. Absolutely insufferable. Says the most obvious things ever.
“You see, Shep, what we need to do is hit the ball with more regularity in order to score runs.”
Apparently, not everyone who has played the game makes them qualified to analyze it!
SEE BELOW…….
C-Mo seems like a likeable person, but I can’t stand listening to him in the booth. He’s not particularly insightful nor is he very eloquent. Also, his speaking style & voice grates on my nerves. Not only that, but too often he likes to giggle about inside jokes more than doing what the job calls for — providing baseball analysis. He comes across as immature, more content to be one of the gang than actually working at his craft to get better.
Possibly the worst take ever. The new voice is Jason Benetti who is a national guy but lucky enough for Tiger fans to call the Tigers game locally.
This has to be a joke, right? Nobody that truly cares about how the game is announced would consider what Gibby does “saving the telecast.” Benetti is very much welcome. Tigers have had piss-poor announcing for the past decade. They could improve if they’d stop asking former players to do it for them.
I watched and listened to Benetti and Monroe today on my MLBTV feed. I thought he was just fine. I think once he gets settled in and has a better feel for the roster, he will be excellent. He comes with an outstanding reputation.
Do you possess a comprehensive understanding of Cerebral Palsy (CP)?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in the developing brain, typically before or during birth, although it can also occur during infancy. CP can result in a range of physical and developmental challenges, including difficulties with walking, fine motor skills, speech, and balance. The severity of CP varies widely among individuals, with some experiencing mild symptoms while others may have significant impairments. Treatment for CP often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes medications or surgery to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that without experiencing it firsthand daily as I do, you may not have the qualifications to accurately assess how it could influence your perspective as a viewer.
Furthermore, the obstacles he must surmount just to appear on air far surpass your genuine understanding of CP as a whole. It’s essential to recognize the tremendous effort and resilience required to excel in his profession despite these challenges.
How dare you pass judgment from an external standpoint without truly comprehending the realities of living with his condition? It’s imperative to avoid making assumptions without delving deeply into the experiences faced by individuals like him. He has obtained multiple college degrees to perform a job that you have the privilege to comment on.
How he narrates games is intrinsic to both him and me. Sometimes, I find myself getting as excited as he does, which could impact the outcome of the game telecast; I’m aware of it because he is a reflection of me. By the way, I, too, have CP and hold an MBA to validate his challenges. As a quadriplegic, I am qualified to evaluate his performance, and I, for one, thoroughly enjoy his work. Any resentment directed towards me is unwarranted.
Have a good day, hope you learned something. Go Tigers!
While it’s important to recognize Benetti’s disability, I don’t think it has gotten in the way of how he does his job. Disability or not, he’s already instantly better than half the play by player broadcaster during his short time in the league.
I wasn’t referring to you but you did a great job with this post.
14 comments to my post ? Really ? Triggered much are we ? My opinion is all my opinion. National ? I never heard of him. Does he have a illness ? Never knew. Of course my opinion did not have any of the sort in it. Turn off the P.C. sirens. Sure I know in society today men can have babies, but please write your own opinions, don’t get them in a bunch attacking mine.
I’m cool. I’ve got the MLBTV stream where I can listen to Dan the man and his side kick Andy. The radio broadcast in Detroit is top notch, so I’m good with that. P,C. police squawk the desk sergeant your back on routine patrol, over an out.
Jason Benetti has served as the White Sox (Tigers division rival) play-by-play commentator, served as ESPN’s national broadcast commentator, FOX’s college football and NFL commentator, and the 2020 Olympics baseball commentator.
Also, men are not biologically capable to actually fertilize and carry a baby for nine months, not sure where you got that news from, and you started with your “opinion” of Benetti being dry as a desert. If you want opinions, handle other people’s opinions at the same level you dish them at least.
One more thing, if there is a “P.C. Police”, I’m going to have to apologize on your behalf that you’re willingly paying that police department’s budget from your taxes, MPrick.
And you actually compared Cerebral Palsy to “men having babies”… so much for opinions.
And ?
Please don’t cry.
While I can see your post and point, did you see mine? That’s what you should know. Goodnight to you…
Thanks for supporting Jason…This is a big day for DET fans MPrck aside.
It’s now even considering they traded Eddys Leonard to the Tigers for cash last summer
Agree and I think we got the better end of that switch-a-roo. Leonard can mash. Suspect he will be in Toledo to start. I’ve seen a little bit of Kennedy (the guy that led to Lipcius’ DFA) and I don’t see much difference. But, that’s just me.
I prefer utility guys to be contact over power. Be a tough out, have the ability to do hit and run, put the ball in play.
Small ball baseball is always good. Plus it’s much more exciting to watch a hitter, for example, move a runner over on a groundout, and have the runner standing at 2B in scoring position. Just my old school thought of baseball!
I’m in the same boat.
I think my favorite play is a hit and run. Pretty much everybody on the field is in motion.
You guys have the right manager for all the young guys you have. I really hope your team takes a step forward with the fundamentals so you guys aren’t left hanging for a Rendon IL stint…
acoss
You would have thought I was the most exciting hitter in baseball – nothing but grounders to 2nd my whole career
filihok,
Hey if you moved over runners to get them in scoring position I think you’d be quite valuable, I’m dead serious here.
acoss
You know what else moves over runners
Walks
And singles
And doubles
And truples
And home runs
I’m also being serious
All fair points, HalosHeavenJJ and I were just discussing how we both appreciate small ball, such as a hit and run or moving runners into scoring position.
Tigers got cute with waiver claims and gave up too quickly on Lipcius.
They claimed a player who’s younger with better numbers. I’m not sure what the outrage is for.
Tigers were not sure about his defense. He was worth minus-5 outs above average and minus-4 defensive runs saved in 67 innings last season.
Is the cash deferred or do the Tigers get it right away?
They have a structured settlement but they need cash now
I doubt he turns into another Isaac Paredes, but the Tigers never gave Andre Lipcius a chance. He has several decent skills and needs a fair look somewhere.
Ahhhhhh LIP SCHITS
Andre The Dodger!
He’ll play solid defense and get on base for you. Nothing fancy but he’ll contribute.
And he WON’T be Andre The Giant!!
Lol. Dodgers are trying to get even after getting destroyed in the Leonard trade
I think the Dodgers can still free up a spot by transferring Frasso to 60-day. Maybe that’s for if/when Daniel Hudson makes the team? If they still need another spot, they can just drop Lipcius (or maybe Varland, who looks like he’s pitching himself off the 40 man if a space is needed).
He’s a good depth guy. Gets on base and pretty versatile.
Should have tried running Javy through instead, cash for him would be welcome
Good for him. His wife is getting a lot of grief from Tigers fans on Twitter. WTH?
Sad. He hit pretty well, didn’t he?
Help me out here. Last year was a while back. I can only remember one other hitter hitting over .267…..
What were the names of the Tigers who hit over .267?
I can’t remember…..
I don’t recall which site it was, but I clicked on an article on my phone the other day that said Lipcius “threw shade at” and was critical of the Tigers after the trade. However, I never read a thing in the stupid article, or any other since, that reflected that.