Former Detroit Tiger Avisail Garcia out for the season; Off-Day AL Central Viewing Guide

Apr 9, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Avisail Garcia (26) reacts after being injured diving for a fly ball hit by Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

It has been a tough week for former Detroit Tigers, especially ones that now play for division rivals.

Earlier this week, Omar Infante, now a member of the Kansas City Royals, took a Heath Bell fastball to the face which left the second baseman bloodied, battered, and bruised, but thankfully with no broken jaw. It’s unclear if Infante will need a trip to the disabled list, but thankfully he won’t miss very much time.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia is not so lucky.

The former Detroit Tigers’ prospect attempted a diving catch off the bat of Colorado Rockies’ DJ LeMahieu at Coors Field on Wednesday when the injury occurred. He grabbed the ball but it popped out when Garcia slammed his left shoulder to the turf. An MRI taken this afternoon in Chicago showed what the White Sox feared most: a torn labrum which will require surgery.

Garcia had played well for the White Sox since coming over in the three-team trade that sent Jose Iglesias to Detroit and Jake Peavy to Boston, hitting .298 overall. Though he got off to a very slow start to 2014, Garcia had turned it on as of late, including a 4-for-5 performance with a pair of homers in Colorado the night before.

Though he plays for the “bad guys” now, its a bummer to see Garcia injured. The White Sox and Tigers have always had a good rivalry over the years and many fans were looking forward to this added wrinkle.

It’s worth noting the misfortune that has fallen the multiple members of that July 2013 trade.

Peavy is doing okay this year thus far, but had a dreadful postseason. Former Tiger Villarreal, the throw-in piece to that trade, made news earlier this week because it was revealed he received a Red Sox World Series ring for throwing just four pitches, all balls, that resulted in a walk-off walk for the San Francisco Giants. He did not make an appearance in the postseason and is now toiling in AAA Pawtucket.

Garcia’s White Sox will begin picking up the pieces as they head home for the first meeting of the year with the Cleveland Indians tonight. With the Tigers off–again–if you’re looking for some baseball to watch on MLB Extra Innings or MLB.com, this one is as good as any. 

Cleveland Indians (5-4) vs Chicago White Sox (4-5): 8:10 p.m.

Danny Salazar (0-0, 3.18) vs. John Danks 0-0, 3.86)

Earlier today, the Oakland Athletics finished off a three-game sweep of the (3-6) Minnesota Twins, 6-1 at Target Field. The 4-4 Kansas City Royals had the day off.