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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Detroit Tigers
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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