At this point in the MLB regular season, teams are calling up rookies and veterans from the minor leagues to fill necessary voids on their rosters. Meanwhile, other teams across the majors are returning from the injured list, hoping to get back into a rhythm before the All-Star break next month.
This past week, the Detroit Tigers have made several changes to their pitching staff, including optioning Keider Montero to Triple-A Toledo and claiming veteran Carlos Hernandez off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies.
At the same time, one former Tigers infielder is scheduled to return to the diamond after missing the last several weeks due to injury.
Ex-Tigers INF Jeimer Candelario on Verge of Injury Return
According to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, ex-Tiger Jeimer Candelario is set to rejoin the Cincinnati Reds on Monday after finishing a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A.
Candelario was placed on the IL at the end of April because of a lumbar spine strain. Before going on the injured list, the veteran infielder was hitting a disappointing .113 with two home runs and 10 RBI in 22 games.
Things haven’t exactly gone to plan for the ex-Tigers infielder in Cincinnati. In his first year with the Reds, Candelario slugged .225 with 20 home runs and 56 RBI in 112 games.
The 31-year-old Candelario signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Reds in December 2023 after spending the 2023 season with the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs.
Before that, the veteran infielder played six-plus years in the Motor City, where he slashed .243/.324/.404 with 65 home runs and 245 RBI.
Candelario began his MLB career with the Cubs in 2016, but was eventually traded to the Tigers on July 31, 2017. Candelario’s best year in Detroit was 2021, when he hit .271 with 42 doubles, 16 home runs, and 67 RBI.
The Reds would love to see that type of production from the veteran infielder, and Candelario would love to return to his 2021 form after being injured to start the season.
That said, it will be interesting to see if the ex-Tiger can get back on track after a slow start, as he needs to help his new team, which is three games back out of the final NL wildcard spot.