Detroit Tigers: Jeimer Candelario called up to fill in for Jose Iglesias

Detroit Tigers fans will likely see Jeimer Candelario make his team debut in the coming days as the infielder was called up from Toledo to fill in for Jose Iglesias.

Detroit Tigers infielder Jeimer Candelario, the centerpiece of the Justin Wilson trade, is joining the team.

The third baseman, who also plays first base, was called up from Triple-A Toledo on Sunday night.

He takes Jose Iglesias’ spot on the active roster while the shortstop is on the bereavement list.

Detroit announced the moves in a pair of tweets on the team’s official Twitter account on Sunday.

The Tigers tweeted the following at 12:48 pm:

“The #Tigers placed SS Jose Iglesias on the bereavement list today. A corresponding roster move will be made prior to Monday’s game at PIT.”

Later on at 6:03 pm. Detroit tweeted:

“The #Tigers will recall infielder @Jeimer24C from Triple-A Toledo prior to Monday’s game at Pittsburgh. He will wear No. 46.”

More on Candelario

Arguably the franchise’s top position-player prospect since making the move from the Chicago Cubs just over a week ago, Candelario profiles as the team’s long-term third baseman.

The 23-year-old has played in 16 games in the Majors so far with Chicago.

In said games, Candelario collected six hits, three RBI, three walks, two doubles, two runs scored and a home run in 50 plate appearances.

He’s been much better at Triple-A this season (.260 batting average, 53 RBI, 46 extra-base hits, 42 walks and an .847 OPS in 357 plate appearances) and should find success at the Major League level.

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Candelario should hit for power and average in the Majors. He also profiles as a dependable fielder at the hot corner.

It is obviously still early, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the switch hitter stay in the Motor City even after Iglesias returns.

Similar to what the team should be doing with Joe Jimenez, the Tigers should get Candelario used to playing in the Majors ahead of a larger role with the team in 2018.

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What’s more, he should see some playing time right off the bat in Pittsburgh.

It remains to be seen if Candelario will start consistently. However, a visit to a National League city should provide the 23-year-old with some pinch-hitting opportunities at the very least.

Castellanos in the outfield?

What’s more, manager Brad Ausmus could conceivably opt to give Nicholas Castellanos a day off at some point.

Castellanos is hitting .150 with a .505 OPS over his last 67 plate appearances, and has registered just three hits since the calendar flipped to August.

It will certainly be interesting to see if the Detroit Tigers experiment with Castellanos in right field at all down the stretch.

The infielder played the position, as well as left field, in the minors.

This was back when it looked as though he would be blocked by Miguel Cabrera at third base during Prince Fielder’s time with the team.

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Castellanos played in the outfield (left field) exclusively as recently as 2013 with Triple-A Toledo.