Ordinarily, when a competitive team is approaching the trade deadline, it's looking to add to what it already has. The Tigers, though, might need to add just to get back to where they already were, because starting third baseman Brandon Inge got hit by a pitch in Monday's game against Texas, and the news is pretty bad:
Broken Hand To Sideline Brandon Inge For 4-6 Weeks
Bad news on Brandon Inge: Non-displaced fracture of 5th metacarpal on left hand. #Tigers expect him out 4-6 weeks.
It isn't a serious, long-term problem, but it isn't what the Tigers needed as they hang in the AL Central race. While Inge isn't a star, he'd been hitting .260 with some power and good defense, and fill-in Don Kelly can't be counted on to produce very much. Ryan Raburn and AAA's Jeff Larish are other options to jump into the lineup, but each certainly has his drawbacks. Unless they make a move and go outside the organization, they Tigers will be worse tomorrow than they were today, and it is in their best interests that Inge make a rapid recovery.
Be sure to check out more at Bless You Boys.
See More:
