Detroit Tigers: Former Players Feature on Upcoming Schedule

Chicago White Sox: Catcher Alex Avila, Pitcher Jacob Turner and Outfielders Austin Jackson and Avisail Garcia

While the Angels employed a number of former Detroit role players, the White Sox have gone for a number of former consistent contributors from old Tigers rosters.

At one time, Alex Avila and Austin Jackson were both integral parts of the Tigers at the beginning of the decade. The duo enjoyed some of the finer seasons of their respective careers at the time.

In 2011, Avila broke out with a stellar all-around season that saw him register a 5.1 WAR. The backstop collected 82 RBI, 63 runs, 33 doubles, 19 home runs, four triples and three stolen bases. What’s more, he also snagged All-Star and Silver Slugger honors while finishing 12^th in the MVP voting.

From 2010 to 2012, Jackson hit .280 while averaging 99 runs, 51 RBI, 28 doubles, 20 stolen bases, 10 triples and 10 home runs per season. The center fielder posted a 20.7 WAR while wearing a Detroit uniform. He’s managed just a 1.5 total WAR since leaving the Motor City.

Rounding out the group are a pair of former top prospects. Turner was the ninth-overall pick in 2009, but managed a paltry 8.28 ERA with the Tigers before being flipped to the Marlins as the centerpiece of the Anibal Sanchez trade. Turner is currently sporting a 9.45 ERA in 13.1 innings with the White Sox.

Garcia hit .319 in 2012 for Detroit. However, he hasn’t been able to replicate those numbers since. After a 2013 trade to Chicago the outfielder is the owner of a .257 batting average and just 34 home runs in 322 games.

Next: Your Tigers Pitcher of the Week Is...

Like Avila and Jackson, Garcia is currently on the disabled list. Turner could pitch in the series.