Detroit Tigers: Jhonny Peralta worth flier as potential depth piece

Mar 22, 2017; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Jhonny Peralta (27) connects for a double against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jhonny Peralta’s potential role with the 2017 Detroit Tigers

In this hypothetical scenario as a depth piece, Peralta would only be leaned on should the need arise.

As a part-time fill in, there’s some reason to believe he could regain his form—especially at Comerica Park, where the 35-year-old is a lifetime .285 hitter with a .784 OPS in 1,143 plate appearances.

Seeing as he is 35, Peralta wouldn’t exactly be a long-term fit in Detroit. However, the potential is there for him to contribute should Detroit take a flier on him.

The Tigers have had plenty of success in 2017 with players general manager Al Avila took fliers on.

Jim Adduci (0.7 WAR, seven RBI and six extra-base hits in 49 plate appearances), John Hicks (135 wRC+, 12 RBI, four doubles and three home runs in 50 plate appearances) and Alex Presley (six runs scored, four RBI, two stolen bases in 57 plate appearances) have all made an instant impact offensively.

It may be worth it to take a flier on Peralta to see if he can do the same as a depth piece.

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He certainly has the experience, and a return to his old stomping grounds in the Motor City could prove to be beneficial for the veteran.

Jhonny Peralta’s potential role with the 2017 Detroit Tigers

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