The Tigers have tried the past couple years to have a corner infielder in the minor leagues ready in case of injury to Miguel Cabrera (whose calf injury two years ago led to the Marc Krauss’ brief Tigers tenure) or Victor Martinez. It appears they have an early candidate in Efren Navarro, signed to a minor-league contract.
The signing showed up in Baseball America’s update of minor-league deals signed over the holidays and into the New Year.
You might remember Navarro, a left-handed hitter, from his time as a first baseman and corner outfielder in 2014 and 2015 with the Angels (he went 4-for-9 with a home run and three RBIs during a three-game series against the Tigers in 2014).