Detroit — Zack Short, who was acquired from the Washington Nationals earlier this week in a minor-league trade, was at Comerica Park on Sunday doing early drill work with coach Joey Cora.
Short, 30, was selected from Triple-A Toledo, with Jace Jung optioned back to the Mud Hens. With Javier Báez on the injured list, Kevin McGonigle had been the only shortstop on the active roster
“That played into the decision,” manager AJ Hinch said. “We need the extra infielder. … Shorty is reliable. Obviously we know what we’re going to get. He’ll be very prepared and he can play all around. The right-handed bat was important, too, as we start to see more left-handed pitching.
“Unfortunately, it cost Jace his roster spot. But we are trying to make good decisions to include any sort of subtle advantage we can get against any particulare team.”
Hinch said that McGonigle likely will get a day off Monday against the Red Sox and lefty starter Payton Tolle.
Righthander Grant Holman was designated for assignment.
Short played for the Tigers from 2021 to 2023. Since, he’s been with the Red Sox, Braves, Mets, Astros and Nationals. He is a reliable defender who can play third base, shortstop and second base.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates
On deck: Boston Red Sox
Series: Three games at Comerica Park, Detroit
First pitch: All three games at 6:40 p.m.
TV/radio: All three games at Detroit Sports Net/97.1, 107.9 FM
Probables: Monday — LHP Payton Tolle (0-1, 3.38) vs. LHP Tarik Skubal (3-2, 2.70); Tuesday — RHP Brayan Bello (1-4, 9.12) vs. LHP Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.35); Wednesday — TBA vs. RHP Jack Flaherty (0-2, 5.90).
Scouting report
Tolle, Red Sox: This will be the third start for the 6-6, 250-pound lefty who started the season in Triple-A. He blew the doors off the Yankees in his season debut April 23, striking out 11 in six innings. He had control issues in his last start in Toronto. But he is a problem for hitters with his size, plus a 7-4 extension on his four-seamer (96 mph) and sinker (95 mph). He also mixes in a cutter and a curveball.
Skubal, Tigers: He gave everyone, himself included, a scare in Atlanta when he stopped the game momentarily to rub out some discomfort on the outside of his left forearm. But, after one practice pitch he proceeded to strike out the side in his seventh and final inning of the night. He’s reported no related issues in his between-starts work over the weekend.
Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com
@cmccosky
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tigers summon infielder Zack Short from Toledo
Reporting by Chris McCosky, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
