Bobby

Higginson

Higginson, who has had a dismal season, hit .556 with four home runs and 12 RBI over the past seven days. With this recent surge, Higginson has improved his market value, which could lead to a trade out of Detroit for the long-time right fielder.

Consider him day-to-day for now. Craig Monroe played right field last night against the Twins with Curtis Granderson in center.

Manager Alan Trammell’s decision appears obvious, no?

Manager Alan Trammell said he was just going with the hot hand, the lineup that has won three in a row, and giving Higginson’s sore hamstring a little more time. Higginson is expected to return over the final weekend.

Trammell said the lineup was just for today’s game, but if it sticks it’s really bad news for Munson, stuck between Higginson and Alex Sanchez. The winner could be Carlos Guillen, who could move up to No. 7.

A bad day for Higginson, who was also left off the All-Star ballot. He suffered the injury on Monday and isn’t sure when he’ll be able to return. Brandon Inge could continue to start in left field in the meantime.

Manager Alan Trammell said Higginson’s physical condition ''is a concern.’' He considered giving Higginson the day off Thursday, but he wanted to play, and was the DH.

He is hitting .171 (6-for-35) over his last 14 games. Higginson, who has seen his overall batting average fall to .244, is not the same hitter he was in the late 90’s. He has no power to speak of, can’t steal a base and is no longer a high-average hitter. That makes him relatively worthless from a fantasy point of view.

Cody Ross replaced Higginson, who is day-to-day and may play sparingly over the final month.

Higginson hit only .156 in June. While he doesn’t say the injury caused the slump, manager Alan Trammell belives it had some effect.