Now sitting just 2.5 games back of the second Wild Card spot, the Detroit Tigers recently found themselves with a hole on the left side of the infield.
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Though Aybar, according to Avila, is supposed to represent an offensive upgrade, he actually ranks last among all qualified hitters in wRC+ (adjusted weighted runs created), according to Fangraphs.com.
Best known for his lengthy stint with the Los Angeles Angels, Aybar has struggled mightily since arriving in Atlanta in the Andrelton Simmons deal.
Aybar, a Gold Glove Award victor at shortstop in 2011, was a member of the American League All-Star team while with the Los Angeles Angels in 2014.
The Tigers are now without position players Nick Castellanos (hand), Cameron Maybin (thumb) and Iglesias (thumb), and pitchers Jordan Zimmermann (neck) and Mike Pelfrey (back), all of whom are on the disabled list.
“He’s always been kind of a dynamic player, had the ability to hit, hit and run, bunt, hit from both sides of the plate”, manager Brad Ausmus said.
For Detroit, the move will hopefully provide some sort of stopgap until Iglesias can return. We did a lot of work on him.
Yes, Dansby Swanson, traded by the D-backs to Atlanta in the Shelby Miller deal back in the winter and MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 prospect in the Atlanta organization, is on the cusp of making his debut in the Majors. Hernandez, 35, was 1-1 with an 8.00 ERA in two starts with Atlanta, his sixth big league team. Though Aviles may see some at bats for the Braves, the team will likely give Daniel Castro some extending playing time.
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Kade Scivicque, C: Well-known to college baseball fans, Scivicque was the primary starting catcher for Louisiana State University in 2014 and 2015.
