Avisail Garcia, Bruce Rondon to play winter ball, according to report

When the Venezuelan and Dominican Winter Leagues begin in October, two of the Tigers' most highly-touted prospects, outfielder Avisail Garcia and relief picher Bruce Rondon will be participants.

James Schmehl of MLive reported on Friday that both Garcia, the Tigers' minor-league player of the year, and Rondon, the team's minor-league pitcher of the year, will be participants in the Venezuelan Winter League. Since being recalled from Double-A Erie, Garcia is 14-for-38 (.368) for the Tigers with three RBI and six runs scored.

With the winter ball experience, both players are hopeful to make the active roster for the Tigers for the 2013 season.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland told Schmehl earlier in the week that he believes playing in the winter league is a good move for Garcia, and he also suggests that infielder Ramon Santiago do the same:

"I think Santiago should play."

Santiago is batting .207 in 222 at bats with 17 RBI and two home runs.