Zack Short immediately justifies Tigers’ Hao-Yu Lee decision despite skepticism

The Tigers have bigger things to worry about than what amounts to a backup shortstop, but the fanbase has plenty of time on its hands. That's what happens when a team like the Tigers — which had postseason aspirations entering the season — now finds itself on the cusp of becoming a trade deadline seller. Were it not for two wins in Tampa to start June, the Tigers would be in last place. Any decision made by the franchise from this point forward is fair game. They haven't earned your trust.

Yet, some of those decisions will be the right ones, despite fan criticism. This can be said of keeping Zack Short on the roster over Hao-Yu Lee, who needs consistent at-bats and wasn't going to get them in Detroit. That's why the Tigers sent Lee to the minor leagues when activating Gleyber Torres from the injured list.

Zack Short came through against the Rays

While Tigers fans questioned the team's decision to keep Short on the roster over Lee, the former immediately backed the front office up with arguably his best game of the season. Short had two hits and an RBI out of the nine spot. He also scored a run.

Short isn't as attractive of a long-term fit as Lee, but he provides the Tigers with more versatility right now. He's a better defensive player than Lee, and gives Detroit more options. For example, the Tigers gave Kevin McGonigle a much-needed day off Tuesday. Rather than wilt under pressure, Short delivered.

Why the Tigers optioned Hao-Yu Lee to Toledo

When it comes to the role the Tigers were trying to fill, Short made more sense. Yes, Lee should one day be a far more talented player than Short, but the Tigers need a utility infielder who is an above-average fielder. That is not Lee, who has an error on the season, questionable range and a -3 DRS at second base. Short can play both shortstop and second base, is at the very least a league-average fielder at those positions, and doesn't need consistent development.

Lee has graduated from prospect status per MLB Pipeline, but he was once a top-10 prospect in the Tigers system. He's also just 23 years old. Short is on the other side of 30. The Tigers know what he can be at his best, and it's not all that pretty.

With Torres back in the fold, Lee's playing time was about to be severely impacted. There's also little denying that he struggled at the plate in his time with the Tigers. Lee had just a .579 OPS in 32 games with the big-league club, and was hitting an eyelash over the Mendoza line. That's not good enough for a middle infielder expected to receive regular reps. In that sense, time back in the minor leagues should do Lee some good.

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