Magglio Ordonez Returns To Tigers After Month On DL

2011 hasn't been the kindest season to Tigers outfielder/DH Magglio Ordonez. Ordonez was bothered by ankle discomfort off and on from the get-go, and batted just .172 before the Tigers put him on the disabled list in the middle of May. But Ordonez will now get a chance to bounce back, as on Monday he is being activated:

Magglio Ordonez will be activated and rejoin the Tigers roster Monday and reliever Enrique Gonzalez's contract will be outrighted to Triple-A Toledo, Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski announced Sunday.

Ordonez will start for the Tigers on Monday against the Rays, and he'll look to improve upon his miserable .459 OPS, posted over 106 trips to the plate. With his ankle problems seemingly behind him, Ordonez hit fairly well during a triple-A rehab stint, which is encouraging.

Of course, Ordonez won't just be handed a regular job again - he'll have to earn one, as Andy Dirks and Casper Wells have had their flashes of brilliance in the outfield. But Ordonez will have the inside track, as he's the established veteran, and teams in races love to lean on established veterans.