Tigers’ Shortstop Out Most of the Season?

Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias will miss most of 2014 with a shin injury.That's according to ESPN's Jim Bowden,  Bowden tweeted the news, citing the source as another player that is close to Iglesias.

A shin-splint-like injury sidelined Iglesias two weeks ago, the Tigers' medical staff tried to attack the problem with treatment, according to MLB.com. The stress reaction in his shins has prevented him from running without pain.

The Tigers acquired the 24 year old Cuban last summer, trading outfielder Avisail Garcia to the White Sox, who then shipped starter Jake Peavey to the Red Sox.   Iglesias impressed everyone with his bat last season, but is known as one of the best fielding shortstops in baseball.   Until the shin problem flared up last season, he was also regarded as a very fast baserunner too.

If the report is accurate, the loss of Iglesias would leave the Tigers without a starting shortstop.   Newly acquired utility man Steve Lombardozzi has been working out at short, but hasn't really played the position in the majors.  The Tigers have Danny Worth, but he's not even on the 40-man roster anymore.  Youngsters Hernan Perez and Euginio Suarez have seen time at shortstop this spring for the Tigers.

One free agent the Tigers could pursue is Steven Drew.  The former Oakland and Boston shortstop declined a qualifying offer of one year, $14.1 million, from the Red Sox.  Any team that signs him with have to forfeit a draft pick.