The Tigers have decided to send their young infielder Dawel Lugo to Triple-A Toledo to start the 2018 season.
This news does not change the fact that the 23-year old, who was picked up from Arizona in the J.D. Martinez trade last season, will eventually get a chance to be an infielder for the Tigers. Detroit is hoping that the time spent in Toledo, will give Lugo more reps in the field defensively, and in the batter’s box. Right now, Lugo is behind a few players vying for playing time on the major league squad, and it seems Detroit is thinking this will only help his game improve.
Lugo going down to the Mud Hens isn’t much of a surprise. He has spent all of his time in the minors so far in his young career, and this was expected to happen. Triple-A will actually be a step in the right direction for Lugo, who hasn’t gotten past the Double-A level yet.
Dixon Machado will more than likely be starting at second base when the 2018 season kicks off, and Jose Iglesias will be over at shortstop. Detroit’s middle infield seems to be set, and the Tigers feel the Mud Hens of Toledo are the best option for Lugo right now in his career.
Following today’s game, the Tigers optioned INF Dawel Lugo to Triple A Toledo. The Tigers have 58 players remaining in Major League camp.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) March 6, 2018
If the Tigers season goes according to the plan of many oddsmakers, don’t be surprised to see Lugo bounce up to the big leagues at some point this coming summer. The over/under for the Detroit Tigers this season is 67.5 games. If Detroit continues to move pieces, be prepared for Jose Iglesias to be a juicy name to throw around for a possible trade this coming summer. That would open up a possible spot in the middle infield for Lugo.
Dawel Lugo spent 2017 on Arizona’s Double-A Affiliate the Jackson Generals (Jackson, TN) and Detroit’s Double-A Affiliate the Erie Seawolves (Erie, PA), for a combined .277 avg, with 13 home runs and 65 RBI.
The move puts Detroit’s roster at 57, as Travis Wood was released following his injury, with less than a month to go before the Tigers head back up north.
