Jhonny Peralta has called the infield his defensive home during his 11-year career, but when he returns to the Tigers lineup before the end of the season, he could find himself moving to the outfield.
Currently serving a 50-game suspension for his connection to the Biogenesis scandal, Peralta has begun working out with the team to prepare for his return to the active roster.
In his absence, though, Detroit went out and acquired Jose Iglesias to fill Peralta’s void at shortstop, and Iglesias’ defensive prowess has secured his everyday starting job, according to Lynn Henning of the Detroit News. Peralta has seen time at first base, third base and designated hitter throughout his playing career, but those spots remain locked up for the Tigers, as well.
Instead, Jim Leyland plans to fill another gap in the Tigers lineup, and Peralta will try his hand at playing left field, according to the Detroit Free Press. Peralta has never played the outfield in his career, but he’ll get his first crack at it on Wednesday when he reports to the Tigers’ instructional league in Florida.
Peralta will start in left field full-time with the instructional league, and the Tigers hope to have him rejoin the club for the final three regular-season games, where his transition to the grass will be put to the test in the big leagues.
