Tigers’ shortstop prospect begins rehab assignment.
Detroit Tigers shortstop Eddys Leonard began a rehab assignment with Class A Lakeland on Tuesday night as he begins to work his way back to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.
Leonard has been on the injured list since straining his left oblique while swinging at a pitch on April 7.
Leonard is the designated hitter for the Flying Tigers on Tuesday night.
In an alternative universe, Leonard might be in the big leagues right now. He had a strong spring training, making him a potential candidate for a call-up when Andy Ibanez went on the IL on April 9.
But with both Leonard and fellow shortstop Ryan Kreidler injured in Toledo, the Tigers turned to outfielder Wenceel Perez, whose hot bat has made him an everyday player in Detroit.
Leonard, 23, was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers at least year’s trade deadline (shortly after the Eduardo Rodriguez deal fell through) and immediately made a positive impression in Toledo.
Shortstop is his natural position but has played all over the diamond and a utility role is likely his quickest path to Detroit.
“I asked him, of all the positions that he’s played, what’s his favorite? He said, ‘Lineup,’” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said back in February. “And he meant it. I thought that was a pretty good answer.”
Kreidler, who is considered the organization’s best defensive shortstop in the minor leagues, fractured his right finger after being hit by a pitch on April 4. He is not far behind Leonard in his return.
In other injury news, the Double-A Erie Seawolves announced that outfielder TJ Hopkins had been placed on the season-ending injury list.
