Heel contusion forces Avisail Garcia onto 15-day disabled list

Spring training 2013 started with the possibly of Avisail Garcia winning a spot on the 25 man roster. It ends with "Mini-Miggy" not with the Tigers, or even at Triple A Toledo, but on crutches, in a walking boot and on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to March 22) with a right heel contusion.

Garcia injured his heel March 16 while trying to reach 1st base in a game with the Cardinals. At the time, the injury was believed to be day-to-day. But it turned out to be severe enough to end the 21 year old outfielder's slim chances of making the 25 man roster.

It was hoped Garcia would play his way into the Tigers' outfield this season after impressing the team in his late season call up. Garcia helped to solidify right field as part of a platoon during the Tigers' 2012 stretch run, as well as in the post season.

In the 17 games before he was sidelined, Garcia hit 206/.270/.324 (7 for 34) with one home run and three RBI. Garcia posted solid numbers in 2012, hitting .312/333/.455 with Single-A Lakeland and Double-A Erie. Called up to Detroit on August 31st, Garcia played in 23 games for the Tigers in September, hitting .319/.373/.319I. He hit .261 with four RBI in 12 post season appearances.

Considering his major league experience is all of 47 regular season at bats and another 23 in the post season, when deemed healthy, Garcia will likely start the season with the Mud Hens, joining top prospect Nick Castellanos.