Detroit Tigers: Outfield depth has been tested early in 2017

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Apr 27, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Jim Adduci (37) attempts to catch the ball as he collides with outfielder Tyler Collins (18) during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

Apr 8, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) hits a double in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Other outfield options

In addition to Collins, the Tigers have also used JaCoby Jones in the outfield this season.

Jones turned in a promising stat line at Triple-A Toledo, hitting .265 with a .321 on-base percentage, a .398 slugging percentage, a .323 wOBA, a .133 ISO and a 101 wRC+.

However, he has struggled mightily at times in the Majors. Jones spent time on the disabled list after being hit in the mouth by a pitch.

Speaking of injuries, Martinez has missed all but 17 games this season. He’s making up for lost time with a string of outstanding performances as of late, but his absence certainly didn’t help the Tigers.

Detroit, a team that was already dealing with the loss of Maybin, also began the season without two outfielders who logged a combined 201 plate appearances for the club in 2016.

Gose and Moya

Anthony Gose, that season’s Opening Day center fielder, transitioned to pitching, and is now working on his stuff with Advanced-A Lakeland.

Meanwhile, Steven Moya was designated for assignment before the season began. The Tigers could have conceivably lost the slugging outfielder on waivers, but the 25-year-old remained in the organization.

As of now, he doesn’t seem like a candidate to be called up.

Despite five home runs in just 104 plate appearances for Triple-A Toledo, Moya is hitting .160 with a miniscule .192 on-base percentage. He’s walked four times compared to 43 strike outs.

While Gose, Moya and Collins weren’t perfect outfield options for Detroit, they represented depth options.

Depth tested

At one point those options included the aforementioned trio, Martinez, Justin Upton, Romine, Mikie Mahtook and Jones.

Now, with Gose pitching, Moya in the minors and Collins off the Major League team, Detroit is being forced to rely on new depth.

The absences and losses have led to Andrew Romine seeing some time in center field, but now with Ian Kinsler sidelined, the utility ace is needed in the infield.

That leaves Martinez, Upton and a small handful of options (Jones, Mahtook and Presley) to man centerfield.

May 5, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Jim Adduci (37) rounds third base for a run against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Moving forward

The good news is that Presley has performed well in limited playing time so far with three runs scored, two RBI, two hits, a double and a walk in seven plate appearances.

Elsewhere, Jones gives the team a plus defender in center field, having logged a DRS of four, a 0.8 ARM, a 2.8 UZR and a 28.7 UZR/150.

There’s also Jim Adduci, who was on a tear at the plate before landing on the disabled list.

The veteran appeared in only 13 games for the Detroit Tigers, but provided a jolt on offensive in just 49 plate appearances.

Adduci notched 14 hits, eight runs scored, seven RBI, five walks, four doubles, a pair of triples and a stolen base for the Tigers.

Once he returns, the former Ranger will give the Tigers a solid offensive threat who can play all three outfield spots.

Detroit could also see Mahtook turn things around as the season progresses. The former Tampa Bay Ray has hit just .179 with a 51 wRC+.

However, some of that is due to a .211 BABIP.

Once that number starts to revert a bit, Mahtook will give the Tigers much more consistent production in the outfield.

Variety of options

While Detroit’s outfield depth has been tested significantly this season, the team seems to be in an ok place with the group that they have.

Outside of everyday starters Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez.

Adduci and Presley give the team offensive options in center field, while the developing Jones is reliable fielder. Mahtook gives the team an added option as well.

What’s more, all four can occupy all three outfield spots, giving Brad Ausmus experienced options to fill in for Upton or Martinez should the need arise.

Next: Laying out an ideal trade season for Tigers

The Detroit Tigers outfield depth may not be what it used to be, but the team could very well stand to benefit from the new faces as the season progresses.

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Detroit Tigers outfield depth tested early in 2017