Detroit Tigers: Back in Last Place, Nick Castellanos unsatisfied, Jose Iglesias to pinch run

The Detroit Tigers picked up a nice victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday, but the memory of that game was quickly erased after left-hander Daniel Norris failed to make it out of the second inning on Tuesday. The Tigers defense was very sloppy in the loss that dropped Detroit back into last place in the American League Central.

Although he isn’t a fan favorite, third baseman Nick Castellanos making strides in his second full major league season with the Tigers is one of the silver linings in Detroit’s season. However, the third baseman wants to improve even more.

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Shortstop Jose Iglesias still hasn’t picked up a bat since his hand injury a few weeks ago, but manager Brad Ausmus says that he can be used as a pinch runner over the final week.

Daniel Norris chased early as Detroit Tigers fall to Rangers to drop back into last place – James Schmehl, MLive.com

"Daniel Norris failed to make it out of the second inning, and Detroit’s defense was sloppier than an unpaved road in a blizzard in a 7-6 loss to the Texas Rangers.It marked the sixth loss in 10 games for the Tigers, who fell back into fifth place in the AL Central Division. The Rangers, meanwhile, snapped a three-game skid and trimmed their magic number to clinch the AL West to four with five games to play.The Tigers put a pair of runners on the corners with one out in the ninth inning, but came up empty handed. Rajai Davis raised a few eyebrows when he popped up a bunt for an easy out, and Ian Kinsler lined out to right-center to spoil Detroit’s comeback attempt."

Castellanos not satisfied with gains he’s made in 2015 – Chris McCosky, The Detroit News

"Given that, Castellanos development this season — defensively and offensively — is among the positive and significant takeaways from the 2015 season. And the way the Tigers coaching staff handled Castellanos — from manager Brad Ausmus, to hitting coaches Wally Joyner and David Newhan, to defensive coordinator Matt Martin — was among the factors that swayed general manager Al Avila’s decision to bring Ausmus back for a third year.“There’s still growth to come,” Ausmus said of Castellanos. “There’s still plenty of room above his head. He’s made great strides defensively, and he’s become a better offensive player, but I think the important thing for Nick is to not be satisfied with where he’s at, and to continue to grow and get better.”"

Tigers could use Iglesias for pinch-running duties – Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

"“He can’t hit,” manager Brad Ausmus said, “But he should be able to run.”Iglesias ran before Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Twins.He has been sidelined with a non-displaced small chip fracture in his right middle finger since Sept. 3, when he was hit by a pitch as he squared to bunt against the Royals.Iglesias has yet to resume non-running baseball activities, and might not before the end of the season on Oct. 4 in Chicago."

Next: Final MCB TigerTalk Podcast for 2015