Detroit Tigers outfield depth tested early in 2017

Detroit Tigers fans have seen plenty of change in the outfield since the beginning of last season. As the 2017 season progresses, the team’s outfield has been tested.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Tyler Collins entered the season with a chance to establish himself as a key piece for the team.

With Cameron Maybin traded and J.D. Martinez injured, Collins received playing time in center and right field in the early going.

Collins showed well at times, displaying the pop and speed that could make him a big-league regular.

However, the outfielder also struggled at times. Those struggles tended to overshadow Collins’ positive displays.

All told, the outfielder turned in a .288 on-base percentage in 146 plate appearances.

He did hit four home runs with 17 runs scored and 12 RBI, but he also hit just .200 with a .338 slugging percentage, a .278 wOBA and a wRC+ of 71.

In the end, Detroit opted to designate Collins for assignment in favor of another outfielder in Alex Presley.

While still controllable, Collins was out of minor league options, meaning the team had to designate him for assignment when removing him from the roster.

The transaction to move on from Collins is the latest change in the outfield for the Tigers.

Detroit has already used eight different outfielders this season.

Using so many outfield players tested Detroit’s depth in a significant way this season.