Detroit Tigers: JaCoby Jones likely to start season on injured list
By Brad Faber
With Opening Day just days around the corner, it appears that the Detroit Tigers have been dealt a blow to their starting lineup.
On Saturday, Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones exited a game against the Tampa Bay Rays with an apparent shoulder injury. According to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, manager Ron Gardenhire later went on the record to say that there is a strong chance that Jones will now begin the season on the injured list.
The Tigers have already lost one major piece this spring. Last week, it was reported that starting pitcher Michael Fulmer would be undergoing Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2019 season. While Jones’ injury obviously appears to be less serious, and his timeline for return will likely be much sooner, it is still another big blow to the Tigers.
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Over the past couple of seasons, Jones has emerged as a defensive star, saving 26 runs for Detroit since the beginning of 2017. He is also a threat on the basepaths, swiping 13 bags in 18 attempts last season.
Although he has power, his offense has remained a bit inconsistent. Jones hit .207/.266/.364 with 11 home runs for the Tigers last year. In Spring Training, he was hitting .196/.288/.370 with a pair of homers.
Jones was expected to begin the season as the Tigers’ starting center fielder. Now, it appears that Detroit may need to find a replacement for him, at least for the time being.
Of course, one name that has been on everyone’s mind this spring is that of Daz Cameron. The 22-year-old Cameron is one of the Tigers top prospects. That said, the Tigers may be wise not to rush him.
The most sensible solution for the time being might be to simply allow Mikie Mahtook to patrol center field. Mahtook had a strong season for the Detroit Tigers in 2017, hitting .276/.330/.457 with 12 homers. Though he struggled out of the gate last season, he had a strong second half, slugging nine home runs in 37 games. He has experience at all three outfield positions.
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Although most are not expecting big things from the Tigers this season, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that they could hold their ground in what has been described as “a weak AL Central.” However, the loss of Fulmer and potentially the speed and energy of Jones to the begin the season likely bring them down another notch.