Detroit Tigers Sign Alex Presley to Minor League Deal

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila made a move on Saturday. While it wasn’t of the blockbuster variety, it could pay dividends later. Detroit signed outfielder Alex Presley to a minors deal.

Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez remains on the disabled list. While Martinez will be back sooner rather than later, the Tigers outfield depth has been exposed with his injury. Steven Moya has filled in brilliantly, hitting .277 with 11 RBI, nine runs scored, five home runs, four doubles and two triples in 24 games. However, after him there is a significant drop off.

Mike Aviles has continued to share time in right field with Moya and has continued to struggle. The utility player owns a meager .263 on-base percentage on the season.

Perhaps the most telling stat is that he’s failed to surpass Anthony Gose‘ paltry numbers despite 19 more at-bats. Gose collected seven RBI, two doubles, two triples and two home runs in 91 at-bats. Aviles has just six runs driven in, a pair of doubles and one home run in 110 at-bats.

The reality of the situation is that Aviles was probably the best option available to the Tigers at the time. Detroit’s other outfielders in the high minors have struggled immensely this season. JaCoby Jones is still adjusting to the Triple-A level, while Wynton Bernard, Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose all own on-base percentages under .290.

In a move to bolster the team’s depth, the Tigers have inked outfielder Alex Presley to a minor-league contract. The team’s official PR Twitter account announced the move on Saturday afternoon.