Third baseman Brandon Inge's time in Detroit has come to an end. The Tigers are planning to designate him for assignment on Thursday, according to Jason Beck. Per David Mayo, Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said that Inge has already agreed to play for the Toledo Mud Hens if he clears waivers.
This move became necessary after the Tigers acquired Wilson Betemit from the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. The expectation is for Betemit to become the starting third baseman for the Tigers, and with Inge struggling so much, designating him for assignment was the obvious move.
Inge's average for the Tigers this season was a dismal .177. He hasn't been able to find his swing, especially since he came off the disabled list following a bout with mononucleosis. Boos have been growing louder and louder, and his fielding has even struggled. To say the least, he had become the weakest link among the Tigers' infielders, which is why he is headed to Toledo if he clears waivers.
If Inge does in fact end up in Toledo, the hope for the Tigers is that he shakes off his hitting issues and is able to "recapture his swing," as Dombrowski said on Wednesday. It's always possible he could help the Tigers later on, but not if he keeps playing like he has as of late, which Inge understands.
According to Bob Wojnowski, Inge said after Wednesday's game that he realizes it's his fault and that he has to fix it. He said he wouldn't go to another team, which says a lot about how much he loves Detroit and the Tigers.