February 25, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Jeff Kobernus (46) hits a single in the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Kobernus seemed almost to be a lock to make the Detroit Tigers’ 25-man roster a week ago after Brennaon Boesch was released, but reports have surfaced that the Rule 5 pick will be sent back to the Washington Nationals.
Kobernus wasn’t ever going to be a strong hitter, but the Tigers had hoped that he could do enough at the plate to platoon a little bit in the outfield. That didn’t really look like it was going to happen and the Tigers, who are chasing a World Series, can’t really afford to carry a Rule 5 player that wouldn’t be able to contribute.
As Jason Beck states in the above Tweet, the move apparently makes Matt Tuiasosopo one of the front runners to make the roster. Barring a move — a Casper Wells trade, perhaps — the Tigers would appear to be heading north with Brayan Pena, Ramon Santiago, Don Kelly, and Tuiasosopo on the Bench.