And Just Like That, Matt Tuiasosopo Enters Detroit Tigers’ Outfield Mix

March 14, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers third base coach Tom Brookens (61) congratulates shortstop Matt Tuiasosopo (68) for hitting a two run home run against the New York Mets in the spring training game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday I opined that the Tigers weren’t seriously considering Matt Tuiasosopo for a spot on the 25-man roster because they hadn’t yet played him in the outfield (and the outfield is really the only place he could play in the regular season).

How quickly things change.

Tuiasosopo entered today’s game — just one day after blasting a monster homer — in time to see three innings of defensive work in left field.

According to the great radio play-by-play man Dan Dickerson, he’s now “in the mix” to make the team as a right handed hitting outfielder:

The Tigers had been looking for a right handed hitting outfielder to serve in a platoon role all offseason, but the right fit was not found. Tuiasosopo was acquired on a minor league deal and has not been thought to be more than a long shot to make the club. Like Don Kelly, Tuiasosopo would bring the ability to to play both infield and outfield, though my impression is that his defense is, in general, of lower quality than of Kelly.