After making a trade with the Chicago Cubs to acquire utilityman Jeff Baker earlier in the day, the Detroit Tigers optioned infielder Danny Worth to Toledo following Sunday's thrilling victory over Cleveland:
Tigers have optioned Danny Worth to Toledo following today's game.
— Brian Britten (@BBritten_Tigers) August 5, 2012#tigers.
The 26-year-old Worth has bounced around between the big leagues and minors for the last three seasons, but does not appear to factor into the team's plans for the remainder of the year. He was hitting just .206 this season with 21 strikeouts in just 67 at-bats, and aside from flashing what appeared to be an improved eye at the plate with 12 walks, just doesn't appear to be the consistent offensive threat the Tigers need him to be right now.
Baker, a guy who already has a 10+ home run season on his resume despite seeing time largely as a replacement player, should step right into an as-needed role for manager Jim Leyland, one that Worth could never quite fill. After being selected 91st overall in 2007 by Detroit as a future stud defender with an improving bat, Worth has not once posted a season in Triple-A with an average over .290, and may just be running out of chances for serious playing time in Motown.
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