Dean

Palmer

Palmer is hitting .103 and says he feels like he’s having to re-learn a lot of things about hitting that he used to be ''pretty good at.’' Trammell says that Palmer will get more than ''a game or two or three’’ to see if he can get going. You probably want to use as few Tiger hitters as possible, but if Palmer’s going to get anything going, now is the time.

Palmer had his first injection Thursday, and was placed on the DL Friday. ''This is the first time I’ve really felt worried that it’s something that can’t be fixed,’' he said. Even if Palmer is able to play again, it’s not going to be at a quality level.

“I’ve been working out hard and feel pretty good right now,” Palmer said. “Whether I try to play again depends how I hold up this winter.” Palmer would like to return to the Tigers, but since they’re planning on using Dmitri Young as a full-time DH, it’s unlikely that they’ll have room for him. The best Palmer will be able to do is a minor league contract with a spring training invite.

Palmer went 0-for-2 with a walk before being replaced by Eric Munson. He’ll continue to b used as a DH the majority of the time.

''The last couple of innings Saturday, it was getting stiff,’' Palmer said. ''It would start to freeze up on me, so I had to go in the cage and throw between innings.’' Eric Munson has played errorless ball in 19 total chances at third base and has two of the team’s three home runs, so there’s no reason why Palmer should have to do anything but DH.

This makes Palmer ineligible to return until the All-Star break. It’s uncertain whether Palmer’s shoulder and neck problems will allow him to resume playing then.

It could be a while longer before Palmer sees any time at third base.

Palmer had been out since Sunday due to the injury.

''I don’t think I’ve ever been in this position,’' Palmer said. ''Every other spring, I’ve either known I was going to make the team or knew I wasn’t. It’s kind of frustrating.’'

Palmer is hitting .303 in 33 at-bats, but there’s still no good reason for the Tigers to carry him. It’s unclear if he’ll try to catch on with another team after being cut by the Tigers. The Rangers might have some interest in him as a right-handed DH since Greg Colbrunn has yet to show anything this spring.