Detroit Tigers Links: Ausmus confident at short, Fielder’s injury & mascot races invade the COPA

May 18, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Andrew Romine (27) throws to first base against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Ausmus confident with shortstop situation as Stephen Drew heads to Boston Red Sox – George Sipple, Detroit Free Press

"Stephen Drew is no longer an option, not that he may have ever been seriously considered by the Detroit Tigers.Drew has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Boston Red Sox for the remainder of the 2014 season, pending a physical. He’ll make a reported $10 million, prorated from the $14 million qualifying offer he rejected in the offseason.“I know it’s been talked about a lot, but it really hasn’t been discussed internally,” Ausmus said Tuesday afternoon at Progressive Field."

I would say, as someone who didn’t want to see Drew here, that I’m glad the Red Sox saved the Tigers from themselves, but I kinda believe that Ausmus is telling the truth here. Certainly the offense at shortstop is not where the Tigers would like it to be, but the Tigers have the best record in the majors. Why mess with success? Why chance breaking up the incredible chemistry the team is showing this year?

Prince Fielder set to return from injury that started last year while in Detroit – Gerry Fraley, Dallas Morning News

"Prince Fielder will return to the Rangers on Tuesday after a two-game absence to deal with a herniated neck disk.Fielder received an injection Saturday to deal with the condition. The Rangers hope nonsurgical treatment will allow Fielder to regain lost strength on his left side. If the condition persists, surgery becomes more of an option.Manager Ron Washington said he is hopeful Fielder will be able to play."

According to Fielder, the injury began last season, but Dave Dombrowski stated Prince reported no issues to the team. Either way, Prince should be good for his homecoming series in Detroit this weekend. Which should be loads of fun.

Rick Porcello’s injury a perfect example why Detroit Tigers can’t put Robbie Ray in bullpen – James Schmehl, MLive

"[Robbie Ray is] their insurance. Scratch that: He’s their only insurance.When the Tigers need a spot starter, they can call on Ray. When they’re granted an extra roster spot to call up a starting pitcher for a day-night doubleheader, they can call on Ray.When Porcello needs to have his start pushed back two days because he’s dealing with a sore left side, they can call on Ray. And that’s exactly what they intend to do Thursday."

Iott is the voice of reason on this. Ray should be spot starter here or a rotation member in Toledo. It’s not going to help his development to spend the year in the bullpen. I would, however, like the benefit of Ray in the bullpen during the postseason (should the Tigers be fortunate enough to get there).

Detroit Tigers to launch Motor City Wheels mascot races named after classic Chevys – Click On Detroit

"The team and the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers on Thursday will launch the Motor City Wheels mascot races. The people-powered Bella Air, Corey Vette and Petey Pickup will race at home games during the third-inning break.The mascots are named after three 1950s-era Chevy models: A Bel Air, Corvette and pickup."

No word on whether Randall Simon approves of the racers….