Tigers designate infielder Zack Short for assignment

The Detroit Tigers have made a roster move, designating veteran infielder Zack Short for assignment. This decision comes as the team faces significant injuries to its infielders. Short, who has hit 15 career home runs, had a brief stint with the Astros last season before joining the Yankees on a minor league deal this past offseason. He was subsequently traded to the Nationals in March and then to the Tigers in May.

Short was initially DFA'd by the Tigers but was re-signed shortly after due to the team's infield injury crisis. At that time, the Tigers optioned infielder Jace Jung to Triple-A, opting to keep Li Hao-yu on the major league roster. Short and Li Hao-yu were both considered backup infield options, occasionally filling starting roles.

However, the Tigers ultimately decided to option Li Hao-yu to Triple-A earlier in June, keeping Short. Despite this, Short's performance this season has been lackluster. In 23 games, he posted a .167 batting average, a .304 on-base percentage, and a .222 slugging percentage, for an OPS of .526 with no home runs. In contrast, Li Hao-yu, in 32 games, hit .205/.241/.337 for a .578 OPS, showing more power despite a lower on-base percentage. The Tigers also added outfielder James Outman, recently claimed off waivers from the Twins, to fill the final spot on their 26-man roster.