Are the Detroit Tigers Looking to Scour the Waiver Wire?

Mar 11, 2012; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Matt Tuiasosopo (68) during the game against the New York Mets at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Mets beat the Tigers 11-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers seemingly set their opening day roster on Thursday after announcing that Danny Worth had been optioned to AAA Toledo. Matt Tuiasosopo and Don Kelly were the final players in camp to win the last two bench spots.

That was three days ago, but neither Kelly nor Tuiasosopo has yet been added to the 40-man roster. At least not according to the Tigers’ official site at the time of this post. The Tigers don’t really have a reason to put them on the roster until the absolutely have to, but they don’t really have a reason not to unless there is still a chance that a yet-to-be-acquired player or two could be added.

Dave Dombroski had hinted and implied all offseason that the Tigers could be active at the end of Spring Training when players who don’t quite fit with their teams are cut loose.

It’s largely believed that the oft-discussed Casper Wells will not be making the Seattle Mariners roster and could be traded or waived at any point. Could the Tigers be waiting to put a claim in on Wells (or someone like him) when they’re officially cut from their current teams? It’s certainly possible.

If that happens, they could simply assign Kelly or Tuiasosopo to Triple-A without having to go through the process of designating them for assignment and exposing them to the rest of the league. That’s not a huge big deal – one wouldn’t cry too hard if someone happened to claim either guy – but keeping the extra depth is never a bad problem.

The Tigers appear fine – but I would guess not overly thrilled – to have Kelly and Tuiasosopo to open the season on the bench, but there’s still a possibility they make an eleventh hour move to upgrade the team before things are set.