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Zack Short joins Tigers from Triple-A, but not for Gleyber Torres
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- Zack Short joins Tigers from Triple-A, but not for Gleyber Torres
An old friend has arrived.
The Detroit Tigers selected infielder Zack Short from Triple-A Toledo on Sunday, May 3, before the finale of the three-game series against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park. The 30-year-old previously played for the Tigers from 2021-23, including his MLB debut in April 2021.
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Second baseman Gleyber Torres left Saturday's 5-1 win with left side tightness, but Short didn't replace Torres. He replaced infielder Jace Jung , whom the Tigers optioned. Meanwhile, Torres is expected to avoid the injured list, though he wasn't in Sunday's starting lineup.
Torres is considered day-to-day.
"All of the tests came back with positive news, which is great," manager A.J. Hinch said about Torres' status before Sunday's game. "He'll start moving around and see if we're going to use him, or we'll just give him the day. When those tests came back last night, it made me sleep a lot better."
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Tigers third baseman Zack Short throws out Giants second baseman David Villar (not in the picture) at first base during the eight inning of the Tigers' 5-1 win over the Giants on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Comerica Park.
Right-handed reliever Grant Holman was designated for assignment to create space for Short on the 40-man roster.
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The Tigers acquired Short on Friday as a way to boost their infield depth in a trade with Washington Nationals , giving up cash considerations or a player to be named later.
Short spent just one game with Triple-A Toledo before getting called up.
"It's awesome to see so many of the same faces," Short said. "I was here before the winning happened. We always talked about it. That was the culture. And then it happened. That's what the standard is. There are a lot of great baseball players here, and it's great to just be a part of it again."
Why did the Tigers option Jung, a 25-year-old left-handed hitter who plays third base, second base and first base after he impressed at the plate in his two game? He went 1-for-4 with two walks and one strikeout in six plate appearances, but only served as the designated hitter.
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"We need the extra infielder," Hinch said.
The Tigers called up Short – a right-handed hitter – for two reasons: The Rangers have three left-handed relievers in their bullpen for Sunday's game, and Kevin McGonigle is scheduled for an off day for Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox .
Without McGonigle, the Tigers need someone to play shortstop.
It's going to be Short.
"We know what we're going to get," Hinch said. "He's going to be reliable. He's going to be prepared. He can play all around the field. The right-handed bat, as we start to see more of these lefties. Unfortunately, it cost Jace his roster spot, but we're trying to make good decisions to include any sort of subtle advantage that we can get against a particular team. We're more than a 26-man team. I told Jace that when I met with him. I believe that – because we're going to need just about everybody."
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This story will be updated.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold .
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers call up Zack Short, but Gleyber Torres is healthy
