Detroit Tigers: Dixon Machado Producing Encouraging Stats at the Plate

Detroit Tigers fans are seeing a number of players compete for bench roles this season. In addition to Steven Moya, Omar Infante and Dominic Ficociello, Dixon Machado is in the mix for a bench gig.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Dixon Machado is out of minor league options as of now. The former prospect entered Spring Training as one a contender for one of Detroit’s utility roles.

The versatile Andrew Romine is locked into a bench gig, as is catcher Alex Avila.

What’s more, one of Tyler Collins or Mikie Mahtook will likely serve as a backup outfielder.

In terms of the fourth place on the bench, Machado could very well win the job.

The defensive ace has added to his repertoire in the field, seeing time at both second base and third base in addition to his normal shortstop.

A potential long-term replacement for Jose Iglesias, Machado is more likely to contribute as a utility player this season.

Had it not been for Iglesias’ presence on the team, Machado could have potentially been the starting shortstop for the last few seasons.

The 24-year-old’s defense has always been excellent, and his offense is starting to improve.

Triple-A Improvements

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Despite owning a .246 batting average in the minors, Machado owns a .264 batting average and a .331 on-base percentage with Triple-A Toledo.

Those numbers included a .266 batting average and a .705 OPS for Lloyd McClendon’s team last season. The 2016 season also included 59 runs scored, 48 RBI, 28 doubles, 17 stolen bases, four home runs and two triples.

2017 Spring Training

What’s more, the infielder is continuing to show encouraging signs at the plate in Spring Training.

So far in Grapefruit League play, Machado is tied with Ficociello in terms of the most games played for Detroit.

Both players have appeared in 16 contests, and the shortstop has produced at an encouraging rate.

While Machado hasn’t done much in terms of slugging percentage (.333), he’s hitting a solid .296 with a .355 on-base percentage.

Those numbers are obviously in a small sample size, but he’s also added four RBI, four runs scored, three walks and a double.

Next: Tigers Begin Roster Cuts

If he can keep up a similar level of production heading into Opening Day, Machado has an excellent chance of making the roster.