Neifi

Perez

They will also likely add pitcher Sergio Mitre and outfielder Jason Dubois to their roster in the next few days.

''I’m not naming (Perez) the leadoff guy,’' Alou said. ''I want to see how we work without Durham, then do the best we can with the guys we have.’' No word on who else could see time atop the order, but Jose Cruz Jr., Marquis Grissom, and Edgardo Alfonzo are all possibilities.

It’s something that could happen soon. “I’m thinking about it,” Perez said. “We’ve got to see how comfortable I feel.”

It’s unlikely that there are any teams interested in Perez. Just about every team appears set at shortstop and second base, and Perez’s $4.25 million contract would make him difficult to move.

Perez’s next start should come Saturday. He’ll likely get quite a bit of playing time even with Garciaparra coming back. In addition to occasional duty at shortstop, he’ll likely get some starts at second base against lefties.

Neifi could likely secure a lot of playing time at second base with a quick start, but it’d be for the best if he saw little action behind Omar Infante. He’s really not very good.

Curtis Granderson was held out of the lineup against a lefty. Perez, who went 1-for-4 with a run, is the seventh different Tiger to occupy the leadoff spot this season. He’ll probably return to the bottom of the order with the White Sox throwing a right-hander on Wednesday.

“I loved him in 1999 (with the Colorado Rockies) and I still love him,” Leyland said. “He’s got energy.” If that’s all it takes, maybe Richard Simmons can be signed to take over in left field. Even as a regular, Perez would have little value in AL-only leagues.

The Tigers needed some infield insurance after losing Placido Polanco, but this was the worst possible choice. Perez, 33, was hitting .254/.266/.343 in 236 at-bats for the Cubs, and he’s no longer the Gold Glove-caliber infielder he once was. Not only is he barely worthy of a roster spot these days, but he’s due to make $2.5 million next season, making him a big negative even before considering that the Tigers gave up their third-round pick from 2005 to get him. GM Dave Dombrowski should have done better.

At least he’s only signed for another 1 3/4 years. Last time Neifi was on a multiyear deal, the Giants released him before he completed it. The Cubs probably won’t do the same, but they could reduce his role if they bring Tony Womack to the majors.