Clete

Thomas

Thomas hasn’t played in the majors since 2009 after undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee last June. The 27-year-old batted .251/.314/.401 with 12 homers, 20 stolen bases and a .715 OPS over 406 plate appearances this season with Triple-A Toledo. He was mentioned as a possibility to replace the injured Magglio Ordonez on the roster for the ALCS, but the Tigers opted to activate Delmon Young, who is starting in left field for Game 2.

The left-handed hitting Thomas hasn’t played in the majors since 2009 after undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee last June. The 27-year-old can still run, however, swiping 20 bases at Triple-A this year (albeit with a weak .251/.314/.401 line in 406 plate appearances). Detroit might simply wait to see if Delmon Young improves enough to return to the roster. Young was left off the Tigers’ ALCS roster due to an oblique injury. Stay tuned.

Thomas was designated for assignment Wednesday after failing to get an at-bat in three games with Detroit. He’ll likely serve as outfield depth with the Twins, and provide veteran insurance behind Denard Span and Josh Willingham.

Thomas was designated for assignment Friday but has cleared waivers and will remain with the organization. Given his woeful performance with the Twins, it’s unlikely we’ll see him again anytime soon.

The 28-year-old outfielder did not get an at-bat in five games with the Tigers. Thomas seems likely to pass through waivers and accept an organizational depth role at Triple-A Toledo.

Thomas was claimed off waivers from the Tigers Saturday and will likely be used in a platoon with Trevor Plouffe. Ryan Doumit also figures to be in the mix in right field.

He takes the spot of Erik Komatsu, who was claimed off waivers. Thomas batted just .143/.172/.286 with 16 strikeouts in 28 at-bats in his time in Minnesota.

Thomas, who has remained on the Tigers’ 40-man roster even though he hasn’t seen time with the team since 2009, is trying to overtake Andy Dirks for a roster spot. Thomas is the better outfielder and he might be able to post the higher OBP of the two, but Dirks, who went 2-for-2 today and is hitting .429 this spring, still seems to rate the edge right now. Thomas is hitting .281 in 32 at-bats.

You read that correctly. The reserve, who was just 1-for-13 in the five games since being recalled entering Wednesday, doubled twice and scored the winning run in the eighth inning. He was hitting .296/.385/.576 with nine home runs for the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate before being recalled, so it’s not as though he’s incapable of producing, but nights like Wednesday come few and far between for the 29-year-old these days.

It’s just a day off for the rookie. Clete Thomas will make the start in center field.