DETROIT – Ron Gardenhire’s Demeanor on Monday night did not match that of a manager who had just won his fourth consecutive game in a clean, narrow victory over a divisional opponent.
The Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 5-1 to open a three-game series at Comerica Park, but the victory was marred by what turned out to be a serious injury to first baseman CJ Cron.
Gardenhire did not share any news after the game, saying Cron was still being evaluated by medical staff. But if his behavior offered any indication, the news might not be good.
The Tigers signed Cron over the winter on a free agent deal and he has already started 13 games this season, hitting four home points and playing a solid defense on first base.
If he’s out for a long time, the Tigers may have options, but not necessarily clear ones. Here’s a look at some of the possibilities that the Tigers might be considering:
Give Lugo another chance.
After Cron was injured on Monday night, Dawel Lugo entered the game on third base and Jeimer Candelario transferred to first base. That’s what the Tigers did late in 2019 and it could very well be what they end up doing in Cron’s absence.
But it is far from an ideal solution.
Candelario proved himself to be a very competitive defensive first baseman last year, but there were some hurdles on Monday night. Lugo is probably an average third baseman.
Offensively, replacing Cron’s bat by Lugo’s will represent a pretty steep drop-off, even among the most optimistic of projections.
2. Go to Paredes.
The field’s prospect, Isaac Paredes, is just 21 and has never taken a Major-at-bat, but he’s hit well at every level of the minor leagues and would probably have been in line for a call in. late summer if this is a “normal” year.
The injury to Cron could allow the Tigers to move Candelario to first and take a longer look at Paredes at third.
3. Go to a veteran.
Brandon Dixon started playing more games on first base than another Tiger in 2019; he also led the club in home games.
Frank Schwindel is a long time Triple-A slugger who has never had much chance in the big leagues.
Both players are 28 and both are non-roster players who need to be added to the 40-man roster.
The advantage of this plan is that it could keep Candelario on third base, where he is comfortable and has played an excellent defense.
4. Turn the infield on.
The Tigers like Willi Castro, who made his MLB debut last year and is currently in Toledo, but he is a midfielder with very little experience at third base.
One idea is to put Castro on short notice and move Niko Goodrum to first base.
The downside: Goodrum played defensively well and deserved a chance to get an extended look at shortstop.
5. The other Castro.
Do not forget about Hittin ‘Harold. Unfortunately, he has officially started and he has not only hit in 2020. He is also more valuable as a utility man than a daily player. But the Tigers were able to bring him to mind on third base and put Candelario in first place. (Heck, they could put Harold himself on first base). It just seems unlikely.
6. Miggy time?
Miguel Cabrera would love this plan: Let him just play first base. Then you can play whoever you want at DH, maybe rotate on a daily basis depending on matchups.
The pros: Cabrera is in great shape, and it’s a short season, so keeping his legs up for a 162-game marathon is no longer a concern.
The cons: Cabrera is no longer the defensive player he once was. He’s healthy for a long time and turns the bat great, so why press your luck?
6 (b). What about Tork?
I’m not even the recent No. 1 choice for Spencer Torkelson as an option, because I consider it so unlikely that it’s hardly worth mentioning. But I know people will ask, and I think the chance is greater than zero. But not that much bigger.
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