Detroit Tigers Links: Iglesias Returns to Field, Cabrera Takes BP, Lennerton at First

The Detroit Tigers will play their first spring game against a fellow major league club on Tuesday. In fact, the team plays the very club that knocked them out of the playoffs, the Baltimore Orioles, five months ago.

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This game won’t have the same intensity as that playoff series, but fans are excited nonetheless.

Shortstop Jose Iglesias returned to his first game action since last spring training on Monday. Even though he played just one inning versus Florida Southern, Iglesias was thrilled to be on the diamond.

Although the Tigers’ two biggest hitting starts are still not participating in game action, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez are both inching closer to a full return.

Finally, Motor City Bengals discussed the Tigers’ contingency plan at first base if Cabrera and Martinez are both unavailable for Opening Day. Andrew Romine, Hernan Perez and Alex Avila all took ground balls at first base before Monday’s game. That, however, has not deterred 29-year-old first baseman Jordan Lennerton from trying to make his mark this spring.

Tigers’ Jose Iglesias ‘really happy’ to return to field – Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

Iglesias played one inning in today’s exhibition season-opening 12-2 win over Florida Southern. He made one put-out – a pop-up to end the the first – and took one at-bat – a groundout in the bottom of the first.“It was a great feeling to get back out there and just being in the uniform is amazing,” he said.Iglesias, 25, missed all of the 2014 season with stress fractures in each of his legs. He made one plate appearance in last year’s annual meeting with the Moccasins – a walk – before leaving the game with soreness.

Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera takes BP on field; Victor Martinez takes 60 swings off tee – Chris Iott, MLive.com

Miguel Cabrera took batting practice on the field for the first time this spring, while Victor Martinez arrived in camp and hit off a tee.“He said he was good,” Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said of Martinez. “He took 30 swings from both sides.”Martinez ran on the AlterG treadmill, as did Cabrera, who took part in pre-game batting practice with his teammates prior to the exhibition game against Florida Southern College.

Lennerton strives to impress Tigers — and other teams – Chris McCosky, The Detroit News

Barring any setbacks for Cabrera, the 29-year-old Lennerton is awaiting one of two eventualities – he will either be moved to another organization or play his third season at Triple-A Toledo.But far from a no-win situation, Lennerton sees this as an opportunity.“I will get some exposure,” he said. “I just want to let the coaching staff know what I can do and give them a reason to consider me in a position. Obviously, you know Cabrera is the best hitter in the game. It’s been tough playing behind him my entire career.“But the organization has given me the opportunity and I am happy to be back and working for a spot.”

Next: Andrew Romine Playing First Base this Spring