Colt Keith is part of the future in Detroit.
But which infield spot he holds down for the Tigers might be changing.
Manager A.J. Hinch told reporters earlier this week that Keith may get time at third base.
Keith has never played third base in MLB. He has spent lots of time at second base and first base for the Tigers.
He actually began his minor league career as a third baseman, but a right shoulder injury pushed him to the other side of the infield.
Now, the Tigers see a chance to shift Keith again.
“We’re curious about how we can maximize this roster,” Hinch said. “I don’t know that it will be something that is primary, or I don’t know that it’s something you’re going to see a lot of, but there are a lot of times during games – as we do use our whole roster – where being able to put him over there could be very advantageous.” When asked if Keith is ready to play third, Hinch said: “I don’t know if he’s ready or not, but if the game leads me that way, I’m going to put him there because of the situations that we’re trying to win games. In a perfect world, he gets a few more reps of practice, but I’m willing to do anything to try to put these guys in a good position.”
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The Tigers currently have Gleyber Torres holding down second base after his offseason signing.
Detroit can play Spencer Torkelson at first base. If Keith can play first, it allows Kerry Carpenter to DH more regularly.
The Tigers also have a surplus of outfielders after returns from injury for Parker Meadows and Wenceel Perez.
Getting Keith and Torkelson on the two corner spots, rather than using one at DH, is likely an overall improvement for Detroit.
Keith is batting .244 on the season and has been eight percent better as a hitter than league average with a wRC+ of 108.
The Tigers wanted Jace Jung to seize the third base job this season, but he struggled.
The 23-year old Keith has a long MLB career ahead of him. The Tigers, at 41-22 the best team in baseball, want to maximize Keith’s here and now for the good of their World Series pursuit.
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