Detroit Tigers: Welcome to the D, Erick Aybar

In a surprising, but much-wanted move, the Detroit Tigers traded away Mike Aviles in exchange for Erick Aybar.

Aviles is on his way to the Atlanta Braves. The Detroit Tigers included minor league catcher Kade Scivicque in the deal, too.

Tigers fans can now breathe a sign of relief that they no longer have to worry about Mike Aviles creating more outs than runs. Fans will no longer have to worry about him missing plays as a shortstop or looking clearly out of place in the outfield. Best wishes to Aviles on his new endeavors in Atlanta in the National League.

What to Know about Erick Aybar

Now, on to Erick Aybar. He is a 32-year-old utility player whose strength lies in the middle infield. After leaving the Dominican Republic, he was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 2002 as an amateur free agent. Aybar played in a few games in 2006, but his official rookie season was 2007. He was with the Angels through 2015 until he was sent to the Braves in a trade that included Andrelton Simmons.

The newest Detroit Tigers player will be a free agent at the end of the 2016 season.

Aybar’s start with the Braves has been satisfactory, but not exceptional. He has spent some time on the DL with a bruised foot after being hit by a pitch in a game against the Marlins.

His career batting average is .274 with a career OPS of .633. He has 50 home runs and 443 RBIs over his 11-year career. While these are nothing like Miguel Cabrera‘s or Victor Martinez‘s career numbers, they are fine for someone who will be a bench player. 

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How Aybar Will Help the Tigers

Right now, the Tigers need a bench player who can perform on a consistent basis. Aviles just wasn’t doing it. Aybar has been playing every day with the Braves, so he is good and ready to take a middle-infield spot so Dixon Machado can continue his seasoning with the Toledo Mud Hens.

In August, Aybar’s numbers have been solid. His August slash is .333/.333/.519. He has 18 hits, 6 runs, and 8 RBIs. In comparison, Aviles’ August slash was .182/.250/.273. He collected two hits and two strikeouts in his 12 plate appearances.

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If Aybar can keep these numbers going, the Tigers will certainly benefit from this trade.