The injury to Brandon Inge has raised speculation that the Tigers might be in the market for a replacement at the hot corner while Inge's hand heals. According to CBS Sports' Danny Knobler, the Tigers have some interest in the four-time All-Star and 2007 World Series MVP, Mike Lowell:
The Tigers, who lost third baseman Brandon Inge to a broken hand last week, have some interest in Mike Lowell, who began a minor-league rehabilitation assignment Thursday at Triple-A Pawtucket.
Lowell was Pawtucket's designated hitter on Thursday, and after a scheduled day off Friday, he's expected to play third base on Saturday. Lowell had a cortisone shot in his surgically repaired right hip this past week, and he told reporters in Pawtucket that he expects to be activated by the Red Sox next week. [...]
[...] Lowell makes $10 million, but the Red Sox would obviously be willing to pick up most of the remaining money if they are able to move him.
Lowell's been a steady hitter his whole career, but he's 36-years-old and injuries are starting to catch up. He's likely played his last game as a Red Sox, which makes one wonder why the Tigers would bite on another contender's garbage. Then again, if Lowell can somehow prove he's healthy enough for the stretch run, he'd be a significant upgrade over Inge in the lineup.