Center fielder Jake Marisnick, an 11-year MLB veteran, has been designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers.
The Tigers announced the roster move after Sunday’s 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in extra innings, the final game before the All-Star break. Cutting Marisnick opened a spot on the 40-man roster for right-handed reliever Trey Wingenter to return from the 60-day injured list.
Wingenter was optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
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Marisnick, known for elite defense in center field, hit .232 with two home runs, three walks and 20 strikeouts in 33 games with the Tigers. The 32-year-old was acquired from the Chicago White Sox on May 30 for cash considerations.
If Marisnick clears waivers, he can accept an assignment to Triple-A Toledo or decide to become a free agent. He was worth plus-4 defensive runs saved in 205⅔ innings in center field.
Just a few days ago, Marisnick had perhaps his best game with the Tigers, going 2-4 with a home run against the Oakland Athletics on July 6. He went 1-3 in his last game with the Tigers against the Blue Jays on July 8.
The return of center fielder Riley Greene, who missed nearly 40 days with a stress reaction in his left fibula, led to Marisnick’s departure. There are now four outfielders on the 26-man roster: Greene, Akil Baddoo, Kerry Carpenter and Matt Vierling.
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The Tigers needed to activate Wingenter from his rehab assignment and reinstate him to the 40-man roster because his 30-day rehab window expired. The 29-year-old landed on the injured list April 22 with right shoulder tendinitis and began his rehab assignment June 10.
Wingenter, who has a history of poor command, posted a 13.94 ERA with 10 walks and nine strikeouts over 10⅓ innings in 12 games for Low-A Lakeland (two games) and Triple-A Toledo (10 games).
The 40-man roster is full, but by optioning Wingenter to the Mud Hens, there is one opening on the 26-man roster that needs to be filled before Friday’s game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
Contact Evan Petzold at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jake Marisnick designated for assignment by Detroit Tigers