After news broke over the weekend that Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias would be out until at least the All-Star Break with shin splints, MLB.com's Jason Beck reported on Monday that Iglesias has been diagnosed with stress fractures in both his legs.
MLB roundup: Jose Iglesias has stress fractures in both legs
More news came out regarding Jose Iglesias’ shin injury on Monday, with the shortstop announcing that he has stress fractures in both his legs.
Duane Burleson
According to Beck, Iglesias is still planning to play at some point this season, though there is no timetable for the 24-year-old’s return. The Cuban native is scheduled to see a specialist on Tuesday, and the Tigers will know more about Iglesias’ timetable at that point.
Iglesias has appeared in just one game this spring after being traded to Detroit prior to last season's trade deadline. With their starting shortstop shelved for an extended period of time, the Tigers have a few internal options who could fill in for the time being. Utility infielder Steve Lombardozzi, shortstop Eugenio Suarez, and infielder Danny Worth could all see time. Speculation has also increased that the Tigers could make a run at free agent Stephen Drew, or try to swing a trade with the Mariners for infielder Nick Franklin, who has been available for the right price all offseason.
Niese has no structural damage in elbow
The Mets received good news on Monday when they learned projected Opening Day starter Jon Niese has no structural damage in his left elbow. Niese has felt discomfort in the elbow throughout spring and left his start on Sunday after two innings with elbow soreness.
But an MRI revealed no structural issues, and Niese received a cortisone shot to help with the discomfort. He will rest for two to three days before throwing again.
The Mets don't know if Niese, the team's projected Opening Day starter, will be ready to go once April arrives, but Monday's MRI results are good news regardless. If Niese isn't ready to go on Opening Day, either Bartolo Colon or Dillon Gee look likely to start for the Mets instead.
Red Sox make Lavarnway available
The Red Sox have made it known to other teams that catcher Ryan Lavarnway is available via trade, according to CSNNE's Sean McAdam. The 26-year-old Lavarnway has hit .208/.258/.327 over 291 plate appearances during parts of three big league seasons.
Lavarnway is currently blocked at the major league level by projected starters A.J. Pierzynksi and David Ross and might not have a place on the club's Triple-A squad either with prospect Christian Vasquez expected to begin the season there as well.
What Lavarnway’s value is to other teams is also a question mark after the catcher’s career has stalled. His below-average defense makes it unlikely Lavarnway could ever be a full-time catcher in the big leagues, and at this point, it would probably be best for him to move from behind the plate so he can focus instead on hitting. Lavarnway still might have some value as a bench or platoon bat for a team that has roster space.
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