Jose Iglesias may miss most of 2014 season, Stephen Drew on Tigers' radar

There are conflicting reports as to the status of Jose Iglesias and his shin injury, one far more dire than the other.

Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said late this afternoon his injured shortstop was likely headed to the 15-day disabled list for the start of the 2014 season, confirming they were in a "holding pattern" as to their next move. If Iglesias was unavailable to start the season, Ausmus says the Tigers would add a second shortstop to the 25-man roster, and would not keep an extra outfielder.

But ESPN's Jim Bowden and CBS Sports Jon Heyman are reporting the injury to the 24-year-old infielder is far more debilitating. As first reported by Bowden and confirmed by Heyman, the Tigers have supposedly determined Iglesias is suffering from a recurring injury which is more serious than shin splints, and may be shelved for the majority of the coming season.

The source for Bowden and Heyman is an unnamed former teammate who says his understanding is Iglesias will miss "significant time." The Tigers have yet to respond to the reports.

If true, the Tigers may look for a longer-term replacement from outside their system. All signs point to the Tigers targeting 31-year-old free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew, a client of agent Scott Boras. Drew declined a qualifying offer from the Boston Red Sox and has yet to find a new team. The reason Drew is still on the market? Signing him would force his new team to give up their highest unprotected draft pick.

Drew hit .253/.333/.443 with 13 home runs and 67 RBIs for the World Series winning Red Sox in 2013, and is considered to be a plus defensive shortstop. He made $9.5 million last season and is reportedly looking for a multi-year deal.