Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston reports that the Tigers have begun making a push for Red Sox infielder Mike Lowell.
The Tigers lost starting third baseman Brandon Inge to a fractured left hand on Tuesday and Magglio Ordonez to a fractured ankle on Saturday night. Lowell, despite his fair share of injury concerns, will bring some much-needed pop to the Detroit lineup. The 36-year-old hit .290/.337/.474 with 17 home runs last season and has collected two home runs in limited action this year.
Detroit is trying to keep pace with the White Sox and Twins in the American League Central. As of Sunday morning, Chicago has a 2.5 game lead and the Twins are a half-game up on the Tigers.
For now, Lowell remains on the disabled list. He will need to be activated before a deal can be struck, but the Red Sox were probably close to bringing him back anyway. After all, he went 4-for-4 with two RBI in a rehab game Saturday at Triple-A Pawtucket. Sunday may be his last day in the minor leagues.