I'm sure that everyone is now aware of this due to either viewing the game or watching the highlights on the news, but Tigers troubled DH Dmitri Young was called up from the Toledo Mud Hens earlier today, putting him back on the big league roster for the first time since May 22nd:
To make room for Young on the 25-man roster, the Tigers optioned IF Ramon Santiago to Toledo. Santiago has had limited playing time in a utility role for the Tigers, having a .206 BA with 1 RBI on the season. He hadn't made an appearance for the Tigers since going 1-1 against Kansas City on July 16th.
Jim Leyland wasted no time showing Dmitri Young playing time, plugging him into the lineup at DH this evening. Batting 7th in the lineup, Dmitri went 2-4 with a 2 RBI single in the bottom of the 4th inning. The hit ended up giving the Tigers the lead in the game, something that they wouldn't give up for the remainder of the evening in route to a 7-4 win over the Oakland Athletics.
With the 2-4 performance, Dmitri raised his batting average to .190. He struggled horribly to begin this season, unable to put together any kind of hitting streak - leading to horrible stats and the ultimate restlessness of the Tigers fanbase due to it. After allegations of domestic abuse and alcohol addictions came about, followed by a no-show situation in a court of law, Young remained off the team and on the DL, followed by a minor league stint, until today's activation.
A lot could change for the Tigers within the next week based on how Dmitri Young swings the bat. If Dmitri can continually put up solid numbers as a switch hitter, would the Tigers still be in such a hunt for a left-handed bat in this lineup? Obviously it would not be as important to obtain one via trade if Dmitri is hitting well, especially a player that will require a high cost (Abreu, for instance). If Dmitri does well, I expect to see a small trade for a left handed bat that could perhaps assume Craig Monroe's role on this team.
Welcome back D-Young. I hope you took care of all your personal issues and are ready to be an effective part of the Detroit Tigers.