Gleyber Torres is currently a bench player for Team Venezuela as they prepare to play Japan in the quarterfinals of the WBC.
The Tigers’ starting second baseman has only played in three games, getting nine plate appearances. Venezuela manager Omar Lopez has been using Luis Arraez at second base.
Torres’ Limited WBC Role
Tigers manager AJ Hinch addressed Torres’ situation. “Everything is fine with Gleyber (health-wise),” Hinch said. “But the schedule for the WBC is not conducive for the position-player ramp up.”
Hinch acknowledged the drawbacks for Torres. He is accepting a bench role and missing out on a heavier build up to the season with the Tigers.
“They have a lot of guys (on Team Venezuela) and it’s hard to get the at-bats and playing time,” Hinch said. “I talked to Omar about it. All the players are playing less than they normally would in spring with the way the schedule is. It’s frustrating for Gleyber, but it’s all part of the WBC experience.”
Despite being in Miami, Torres could not play for the Tigers in a spring game against the Yankees. “He’s taking his batting practice, getting his ground balls and running, doing all the work that a player who doesn’t play a lot in the regular season does,” Hinch said. “There’s not much we can do about it. It’s just the depth they have with their team.
Impact on Tigers’ Spring Training
The WBC has affected spring camps. Enmanuel De Jesus is also with Team Venezuela, and Keider Montero is with Team Dominican. Outfielder Jahmai Jones has been with Team Korea for over two weeks.
Reliever Kenley Jansen returned from Team Netherlands. Tarik Skubal returned after one start, but reliever Will Vest has joined Team USA in Houston.
Coaches Joey Cora (Team Puerto Rico) and George Lombard (Team USA) have been away for two weeks.
“Anyone who has players gone is having to piece it together the best they can,” Hinch said. “You want the games to go as late as possible in order for the players to be built up and ready to play. But that leaves like two or three games here and two (exhibition) games in Arizona as the only time we’re going to have the roster together that we’re going to break with for Opening Day.
“Everybody has to concede something to have this event at the time we are having it. I’m not sure there is an ideal time to pull this off.”
Minor League Assignments
The Tigers have assigned three non-roster pitchers to minor league camp: Relievers Tyler Mattison and Cole Waites and lefty starter Bryan Sammons.
“The innings were starting to dry up for the relievers,” Hinch said. “Starters are going
“I don’t know what the roster configuration will be for the semis and finals,” Hinch said. “But we are expecting him stay there until it’s done.”