Detroit Tigers: Who Leaves When J.D. Martinez Returns?

As the Detroit Tigers season progresses, the return of J.D. Martinez is on the horizon.

The Detroit Tigers All-Star, Silver-Slugger-winning right fielder has already been taking batting practice as his return looms large.

There is no doubt that he will return to HIS spot on the field and in the lineup. When he is removed from the Disabled List, someone has to leave the 25-man roster. Who will it be?

Even though the expected day of his return has yet to be announced, this is a question that will need to be answered. Right now, the Tigers have a large collection of outfielders who have been performing *relatively* well in the first few series. The outfielders include Andrew Romine, Tyler Collins, JaCoby Jones, and Mikie Mahtook.

Whoever remains will most likely spend some time platooning with Martinez and with centerfield. Martinez’s injury to his right mid-foot Lisfranc ligament. This is a tough injury to heal, so Martinez’s workouts have been limited. Once he has been given the ok to return to playing, it is likely that he will have to spend some time training in the minor league system. This extended rehab will give the Tigers more time to evaluate players and make a decision about who will remain in Detroit and who will go to Toledo.