Tigers call up JaCoby Jones in surprise roster move

DETROIT — The MLB rosters expand on Sept. 1, but the Tigers jumped ahead of that and called up outfielder/third baseman JaCoby Jones from Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday afternoon. Jones will start at third base and bat eighth on Tuesday.

The Tigers also brought back Blaine Hardy to help in relief. To make room on the rosters, the team sent left-handed starter Matt Boyd and third baseman Casey McGehee down to the Mud Hens.

No word yet has been given as to what the MRI results were on Cameron Maybin’s left thumb, stemming from a sliding injury on Monday night. However, manager Brad Ausmus did leave the door open to call up someone before rosters would expand if the results were less than reassuring.

Boyd’s move isn’t a surprise given his poor performance on Monday, and because he can’t pitch again for five days. With Thursday only two days away, he’d still be unavailable until at least Saturday. If anything, his move is procedural.

McGehee’s is more of a question mark in that he was the third baseman expected to start in place of Nick Castellanos while he’s recovering from his own injury. For the time being, don’t be surprised if Erick Aybar or Andrew Romine start at third.

As for Jones, he’s had an up and down season, though he’s been hotter of late. While with Double-A Erie, he hit .312/.393/.597 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 20 games, but after moving to Triple-A his numbers dropped to .243/.309/.356 with three homers and 23 RBI in 79 games played. He played 57 game at center field for the Mud Hens and 22 at third base.

Finally, the Tigers announced Alex Presley has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Toledo.