Tigers sign recently released Astros veteran as further outfield insurance

In what has been a decidedly busy eve of Opening Day for the Detroit Tigers, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the club has agreed to terms on a minor league contract with an outfielder.

Ben Gamel was released by the Houston Astros earlier this week after he failed to break camp with the club. After playing in 20 games for Houston down the stretch last season, the 32-year-old had re-signed with the Astros on a one-year deal with guaranteed $200,000 signing bonus, plus a $1 million salary if he broke camp with the club. His new deal with Detroit will be worth the same as his non-guaranteed Major League deal in Houston.

Tigers sign journeyman Ben Gamel to address mounting outfield problems

Gamel is a journeyman, having played for eight different clubs during his nine Major League seasons. Originally selected by the New York Yankees in the 10th round of the 2010 MLB Draft, Gamel has a career .252/.334/.382 slash line over 723 MLB games, making him a solid bench or platoon option who can play either of the outfield corners.

The Tigers certainly find themselves in need of additional outfield depth after injuries ravaged their roster during spring training. They signed Manuel Margot to a Major League deal in the wake of Parker Meadows' move to the 60-day IL to help address the hole in center field, with backup options Matt Vierling and Wenceel Pérez also sidelined by injuries to begin the season.

While he is coming off a career-worst season at the plate with the Minnesota Twins, Margot has spent time at all three outfield positions and figures to be a regular contributor for the Tigers at center field until they get back to full strength. With Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter set to be the everyday starters in left and right field, respectively, Zach McKinstry, Ryan Kreidler, Andy Ibáñez and even Spencer Torkelson are some additional options who could be in the mix to see time in the outfield as well.

Given that he is on a minor league deal, Gamel is likely a depth signing for the Tigers. He's unlikely to break camp with the club, given that he's not on the 40-man roster, but his ample MLB experience will easily make him one of Detroit's first call-ups in the event of yet another injury on the big league roster.

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