Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Tigers could find themselves in a precarious position soon, as the MLB is preparing to suspend about 20 players for alleged connections with Tony Bosch and the Biogenesis Clinic. Tigers’ shortstop Jhonny Perlata‘s name has been mentioned in association with Bosch, which would be a major blow to the Tigers’ offensive output if punishment is carried out against him.
Peralta has been on an offensive tear this season, batting .338 with 26 RBI and six home runs. He would be a tough piece to replace if he were to be suspended. The Tigers aren’t especially deep at the position. Ramon Santiago and Danny Worth would be the Tigers in-house options if Peralta find himself in the midst of a suspension.
Worth is currently on the disabled list, meaning Hernan Perez could be next in line until Worth returns. Perez is batting .309 for the Double-A Erie Seawolves. Perez would give the Tigers with a base-stealing threat they haven’t had at the shortstop position in a while.
The Tigers could potentially be hurt the most from any possible suspensions. New York Yankees‘ third-baseman Alex Rodriguez and Milwaukee Brewers‘ outfielder Ryan Braun are certainly the highest profile players listed in the allegations, but the Brewers don’t seem to be making a push to be a factor this postseason and the Yankees have already been playing without Rodriguez all season.
Peralta, on the other hand, has arguably been playing better than he ever has in his 11 major league seasons. The shortstop has never batted higher than .299 in a season. He’s currently on a one-year contract, and many around the Tigers’ organization thought he may be due for an extension with the way he has been playing lately.
Worth and Santiago might be defensive upgrades, but Peralta’s offense at the shortstop position would be hard to replicate.
David Fouty is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davefouty, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.
