Stephen Drew’s phone should be ringing any minute now, as Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias could miss a substantial amount of time this season.
Iglesias will miss most of the 2014 season with a shin injury, a Tigers teammate told ESPN’s Jim Bowden. Bowden also reported that speculation is that the Tigers will pursue Drew, who remains a free agent despite Opening Day being less than three weeks away.
MLB.com’s Jason Beck reported Friday that Iglesias might not be ready for Opening Day because of continued problems with his shins, adding that the 24-year-old saw a chiropractor Friday to test out a pain management device and could see another specialist soon. Bowden’s report is shocking to say the least, though, and Iglesias’ season-ending injury certainly will leave the Tigers with a major hole if the report is accurate.
Iglesias has battled shin splits for years but apparently is dealing with tibial stress reactions, which are slightly different, according to Beck. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus insisted on taking a “wait and see” approach when asked about Iglesias’ Opening Day availability Friday.
Iglesias, who was traded to the Tigers last season in the deal that sent Jake Peavy to the Boston Red Sox, hit .303 in 109 regular-season games in 2013, although the slick-fielding shortstop’s offensive production dropped off significantly in the second half.
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