Detroit Tigers Option Dixon Machado, Steven Moya—What Both Moves Mean

The Detroit Tigers made some roster cut downs on Saturday, sending infielder Dixon Machado and corner outfielder Steven Moya to Triple-A to start the season with the Toledo Mud Hens.

The Detroit Tigers continued to trim down the team’s roster ahead of Opening Day. On Saturday, the team optioned middle infielder Dixon Machado and corner outfielder Steven Moya to Triple-A. Both will likely start the year with the Toledo Mud Hens.

While the fact that Machado was optioned wasn’t a shock, the move to send Moya down does draw a bit more surprise.

Spring Training Performance

Both players certainly got into plenty of games with the Tigers. While most starters were used sparingly, Machado and Moya got into 17 and 15 games, respectively.

The 24-year-old infielder hit .214 with four strikeouts in 28 at-bats. While he didn’t register any stats in the way of home runs, doubles, or RBI, Machado’s game is to make contact and play stellar defense.

Moya’s meal ticket, on the other hand, is power. The towering outfielder came into Spring Training much improved, hitting a robust .367 in 30 at-bats. What’s more, he also smashed four home runs and drove in eight RBI—with a double added in for good measure. Perhaps the most impressive part about the fellow 24-year-old’s spring was that he only struck out five times.

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Machado’ Potential Impact for the Tigers in 2016

As it stands, the Detroit Tigers will likely use a combination of Andrew Romine and Mike Aviles to provide cover at all four infield positions. Should Romine, Aviles, Jose Iglesias or Ian Kinsler go down with an injury at some point, Machado would likely be the first infielder called up.

Last season saw the shortstop make his Major League debut and play in 24 games, collecting five RBI, three doubles and a stolen bases in 78 plate appearances. He could play a similar number of games over course of the 2016 season given the team’s infield depth.

Moya’s Potential Impact for the Tigers in 2016

While Machado will likely be the first infielder called up should the need arise, things aren’t as clear for Moya.

Next: Joyful Spring Training Baseball

JaCoby Jones will probably spend the bulk of the season in Triple-A once his suspension is done and dusted. Detroit played him some in both center and left field, and he might log some innings at both positions with Toledo. Additionally, Tyler Collins and/or Wynton Bernard could also spend with the Mud Hens this season.

Moya’s strong spring was a positive sign, but he’ll likely need to continue the production at the Triple-A level after a 2015 campaign that saw him hit .240 with only 20 home runs, 74 RBI and 162 strikeouts in 126 games played.

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