Brandon Inge Returns to Tigers Tonight

The Tigers announced today that they have activated third baseman Brandon Inge from the 15-day disabled list. Inge spent exactly 15 days on the DL, and comes back two full weeks ahead of the original timetable for his broken hand.

He played in one rehab game with West Michigan before being activated. Inge is listed in the starting lineup this evening batting seventh and playing third base.

In order to make room for Inge, the Tigers placed SS Danny Worth on the 15-day DL with a bruised heel. Jason Beck says Worth injured the heel over the weekend in Boston, but has been playing through the discomfort.

Jhonny Peralta, who had been manning third since coming over from Cleveland, shifts over to shortstop tonight, a position he hasn’t played since 2009 despite spending the majority of his Indians career there.

I never in my life thought I’d say this, but having Inge back should be a big boost to the Tigers offense. Though he has just six homers this year, Inge has been driving the ball into the gaps with regularity this season and his .263 average is a welcome sight to a lineup that has been featuring several rookies and light-hitting journeymen.

The Tigers face an old friend in Edwin Jackson, who will be making his White Sox debut. They may also get a look at LHP Chris Sale, a first round pick of Chicago this past June. He was called up today and is the first player from the 2010 draft to reach the big leagues.