Detroit Tigers: Non-Roster Invitees to Watch During the Rest of Spring Training

Feb 28, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers player Dominic Ficociello (72) high fives Detroit Tigers third base coach Dave Clark (25) as he rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run in the seventh inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers player Dominic Ficociello (72) high fives Detroit Tigers third base coach Dave Clark (25) as he rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run in the seventh inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 4, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Omar Infante (4) hits a double that scored a run during the fourth inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the New York Yankees at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Omar Infante (4) hits a double that scored a run during the fourth inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the New York Yankees at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers non-roster invitees have already started to make an impact in camp as Spring Training continues. Here’s a look at the non-roster invitees to watch over the course of the rest of the spring.

Detroit Tigers players were back in action on Saturday against the New York Yankees.

While the game ended 11-1 with the Tigers on the losing end of the scoreboard, there were still positives to be had.

Jordan Zimmermann fired off two shutout innings to start the game, while Arcenio Leon and Angel Nesbitt combined for 2.2 scoreless innings and four strikeouts.

Detroit only mustered six hits and one run, but Omar Infante made an impact.

Starting at third base, the veteran non-roster invitee went one-for-two with an RBI double. He would alter make way for Dominic Ficociello, who himself is having a fine spring camp.

As Spring Training progresses, Infante and Ficociello are two of a handful of non-roster invitees to watch.

Considering Detroit’s roster is mostly set, there won’t be too much competition for roster spots. However, the Tigers certainly aren’t short of options.

Here are a few non-roster invitees who you should be watching for as the calendar inches closer to April.

Feb 27, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Ruben Alaniz (80) is congratulated by teammates after striking out the side in the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Ruben Alaniz (80) is congratulated by teammates after striking out the side in the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Edward Mujica
Position: Relief Pitcher

As recently as 2013, Edward Mujica was an All-Star closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, tallying a 2.78 ERA and 37 saves while allowing just 0.7 walks per nine frames.

Since then, the veteran reliever has spent time in both Boston and Oakland’s bullpens, while also seeing time with Kansas City and Minnesota’s Triple-A teams.

Mujica could be useful bullpen piece for Brad Ausmus and company. He turned in a solid first outing with a shutout inning against Baltimore, but allowed two runs, two hits and a walk away to Toronto in his second appearance.

His past success makes him a definite name to watch.

Joe Jimenez
Position: Relief Pitcher

Detroit’s closer of the future, Jimenez won’t be with the team for a stretch as he too participates in the World Baseball Classic.

However, he’s worth following upon his return as he could make a play for a final bullpen slot.

When ready, Jimenez’ swing-and-miss stuff could give the Detroit Tigers a potentially frightening back end of the bullpen considering Bruce Rondon’s similar ability to miss bats.

Ruben Alaniz
Position: Relief Pitcher

Like Jimenez, Alaniz could force his way into contention for a bullpen place. He’s arguably been Detroit’s best player in Spring Training.

Albeit in a small sample size, Alaniz has tossed 3.1 shutout innings in two outings. He’s allowed just two hits while striking out five.

Feb 24, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Omar Infante (4) runs in from the field during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium.The Orioles won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Omar Infante (4) runs in from the field during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium.The Orioles won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Dominic Ficociello
Position: Utility Player

Ficociello was already one of Detroit’s standout performers this spring, with a .308 batting average, five RBI, three runs scored, a home run and a double in 13 at-bats.

With Miguel Cabrera, Efren Navarro and Ian Kinsler all away at the World Baseball Classic, Ficociello could be in line for more at-bats in the near future.

A true utility player, the 24-year-old has seen time at both first and third base so far. He could also log innings at second base and in the outfield.

Omar Infante
Position: Utility Player

Similar to Ficociello, Infante could see increased action with Kinsler gone.

Victor Martinez participating in the WBC will also help Infante and the other bench candidates.

While the longtime Tiger might not be a candidate to see regular at-bats at designated hitter, Brad Ausmus could shift other players to the spot in the order—potentially opening up more positions for Infante to play in Grapefruit League action.

Anthony Gose
Position: Outfielder

The center field situation is far from set in stone, so it is conceivable that Gose could make an impact in a position battle that also includes Tyler Collins, JaCoby Jones and Mikie Mahtook.

Next: A Full Season of Bruce Rondon Will Do Wonders for Tigers Bullpen

So far this spring, the former Blue Jays player has collected three hits, a double and a runs scored in 12 at-bats spread over six games. Gose has also struck out twice.

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