Dusty

Ryan

His availability is being called “day-to-day.” Dusty Ryan replaced him behind the plate and will probably be asked to start on Sunday.

For now, this is just about depth. But the Tigers are run-starved, and current starter Gerald Laird is hitting just .215/.315/.308. Ryan is hitting .259/.374/.442 at Triple-A, and could see the bulk of the playing time if he starts hitting for Detroit.

Ryan will serve as the Tigers’ third catcher down the stretch. He has a .160/.276/.200 batting line, no homers, four RBI and 11 strikeouts in 25 major league at-bats this season.

Ryan provided catching depth for about six weeks while hitting just .160/.276/.200 in 25 at-bats. He had no homers, four RBI and 11 strikeouts.

Ryan, a 2003 48th-round pick, hit .266/.346/.491 between Double- and Triple-A. The Tigers might as well play him over usual backup Dane Sardinha this month and see whether he should be a candidate for a reserve job going forward.

The rookie has hit .400 with a couple doubles and a homer in 20 at-bats as a September call-up. An impressive performance that will certainly bode well for the 24-year-old going forward.

It’s only logical. Detroit is importing two left-handed relievers through Tuesday’s three-team blockbuster and Seay is due to make $2 million in 2010. When the massive trade involving Curtis Granderson is made official, the Tigers will be left with a 42-man roster that needs to be trimmed to at least 40. Seay posted a 4.25 ERA in a career-high 67 appearances this season, although he stumbled near the end due to an injured pectoral muscle. The club is also willing to move catcher Dusty Ryan and first baseman Jeff Larish, Morosi’s source said.

Ryan batted .154/.267/.192 in 26 at-bats with the Tigers last season, mostly serving as a third catcher. The 24-year-old backstop spent most of the season with Triple-A Toledo, batting .257/.359/.455 with 10 home runs and 35 RBI.

He was designated for assignment by Detroit last week. Ryan batted .154/.267/.192 in 26 at-bats with the Tigers this season, mostly serving as a third catcher. The 24-year-old backstop spent most of the season with Triple-A Toledo, batting .257/.359/.455 with 10 home runs and 35 RBI. Ryan should find more playing time as a backup for the Padres.

Right-handed-hitting Ivan Rodriguez isn’t viewed as a possibility to return to Detroit. Switch-hitter Jason Varitek is the only other sure starter among free agent catchers, but he’s not all that likely to leave Boston. Fellow switch-hitters Gregg Zaun and Johnny Estrada could be options if the Tigers want to go cheap. However, if the Tigers want a quality catcher, they’ll probably have to trade for one.