In the Tigers’ lineup, where does new third baseman Gio Urshela fit in?
LAKELAND, Florida — There are many unanswered questions regarding the Detroit Tigers’ infield plans following this week’s signing of veteran third baseman Gio Urshela.
Will Matt Vierling return to the outfield as a result of this? Does Zach McKinstry or Andy Ibanez feel the squeeze? Is Urshela going to play all the time or just against lefties? Are there enough at-bats for every player on the Tigers?
In a nutshell, the response to every query was: Check back at the end of March.
shake out, but there’s no point in making them public prior to the first spring training game.
“Adding quality players is always a good idea. Yesterday, we added a really good one, said A.J. Hinch, manager of the Tigers. We now have the next five to six weeks to determine how this will affect the players on the other teams.
“There are many things that need to happen on the pitch, so we don’t have to decide today exactly how it’s going to work out—and we won’t.”
In 2022, Urshela, 32, was a productive player for the Minnesota Twins, batting.285 in 551 plate appearances with 13 home runs and a.767 OPS (119 OPS+). However, an injury ended his 2023 season with the Los Angeles Kings.
In June of last year, Urshela fell awkwardly while attempting to beat out a play at first base, breaking his pelvis. Urshela spent six weeks using crutches, but no surgery was necessary for the injury.
He said, “A lot of pain.” “It was quite frightening, but things are now fine. Absolute perfection, no problems.
In order to show off his excellent health, Urshela played in his home country of Colombia this winter. He has also been going to a fitness centre close to his Tampa home on a regular basis.
Nevertheless, the injury and Urshela’s advanced age undoubtedly alarmed some teams. The majority believed Urshela would sign a contract worth far more than the $1.5 million that the Tigers ultimately offered him. Now that spring training was under way, Urshela only needed to locate a place to call home.
“It was a lengthy process and offseason, but we made it here, and I’m glad to be here,” he remarked.
The Tigers planned to use Vierling, Ibanez, and McKinstry at third base prior to Urshela’s signing; Vierling would probably start most of the games.
That plan now seems to be abandoned, even though the Tigers haven’t stated it out loud. Vierling is going back to playing more outfield, which is his natural position, in a super-utility role.
Hinch remarked, “I told (Vierling) that being the answer in a lot of different places is the best way to contribute.” “I stated that prior to signing Gio, and that message remains unchanged.
Vierling commented, “We picked up a great player.” To my knowledge, nothing significant has changed in that regard because I’m still getting reps at third and in the outfield.
Scott Harris, president of baseball operations for the Tigers, stated that nothing he observed during the first few days of camp led him to sign Urshela.
He said, “We’ve been tracking Gio all winter.” This was not a change of heart.
“When Gio is healthy, he excels at three things: making a lot of contact, hitting the ball hard, and playing above-average third base defence. These are the main reasons that made Gio our target. We are so happy to have him join our group.
In addition, Urshela has experience at the other three infield positions. Hinch stated that Urshela will see some action at first base in addition to third for the time being.
Everyone is aware of his talent at third base. He’s had amazing seasons there and received votes for the Gold Glove,” Hinch remarked.
The Tigers see Urshela as more than just a platoon player, even though his advantage against righties is not very great.
“He’s a difficult out.” He hits well and makes contact, according to Hinch.
What would happen, then, if McKinstry, Vierling, Ibanez, and Urshela were all hitting well on April 30? Where will they all be playing?
Hinch once said that in baseball, having too many mouths to feed is preferable to having too few.
Give that problem to me, he commanded. There will be a competition in this. You can’t whine about having too many options while seated in my chair. Players may be wondering how they fit in, as I am aware of. However, to be quite honest, they were also unsure of that prior to Urshela’s signing. The addition of a very talented major league player elevates the discussion. However, I believe that many of these guys knew that going into camp.
