It looks like the Detroit Tigers, who have lost seven straight games and are eight games behind first-place Cleveland, are making a big change at second base. As Chris Iott reports (via MLive.com):
Tigers Switching Second Basemen?
The Toledo Mud Hens replaced second baseman Scott Sizemore in the starting lineup Monday night just prior to their game at Pawtucket, fueling speculation that the Detroit Tigers might recall him in time for their game Tuesday night against the New York Yankees.
The gritty Will Rhymes -- you’re not allowed to type “Will Rhymes” without attaching an adjective like gritty -- earned the job at second base with his play last season, but this season he just hasn’t performed well, and when a team’s playing as poorly as the Tigers have lately, somebody has to take the fall.
Meanwhile, Sizemore’s never had any problems hitting in the minors, but this spring he’s absolutely destroyed the International League, batting .408 with power in 23 games. He did get a shot with the big club in 2010 -- he was the Tigers’ Opening Day second baseman -- but in three separate stints hit just .224/.296/.336 in 48 games. Sizemore’s glove isn’t anything special, so if he again fails to hit he’ll again wind up in Toledo. Given a real chance, though, he should hit.
Update: It’s official. From Tigers’ official Twitter feed:
Tigers optioned Will Rhymes to Toledo following tonight’s game. Scott Sizemore will be recalled from Toledo prior to tomorrow’s game.
For more about Sizemore and the Tigers, please visit Bless You Boys.
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