Ramon

Santiago

Santiago has satisfied manager Alan Trammell with his defense, but is sorely lacking on offense, with 27 RBI in 476 career at-bats. Infante is at Triple-A Toledo, hitting .179 in 78 at-bats. There isn’t much of major league quality at the position in the farm system, so the Tigers may seek to upgrade from outside the organization in the offseason.

Both Omar Infante and Ramon Santiago are candidates to be traded, and the Tigers consider Warren Morris nothing more than a fall-back option at second base. The Tigers probably won’t make a run at Miguel Tejada, but they could attempt to trade for Orlando Cabrera, Junior Spivey or another arbitration-eligible middle infielder.

Santiago has been on the bench in four of the last five games, giving way to Warren Morris.

A roster spot is needed for this evening’s starter, Gil Meche, who returns from a six week refresher course in Class AAA.

Santiago loses his spot to Neifi Perez, a similar but older and more expensive player. The Tigers were right to search for a replacement infielder. They just picked the wrong one.

Santiago spent the first 3 1/2 months of the season in the majors and hti .206/.231/.238 in 63 at-bats. He could get a couple of starts per week if the Tigers fail to upgrade their infield with Placido Polanco out, but that still wouldn’t make him worth using in AL-only leagues.

Inge was placed on the disabled list Tuesday with a left groin strain, but he’s eligible to return on April 14. Ryan Raburn should still get the majority of the playing time at second base while Ramon Santiago will serve as a backup at both middle infield positions.

Santiago had exhibited flu-like symptoms earlier in the week. He remains hitless in six total at-bats.

There’s a flu bug going around the Tigers’ clubhouse right now, but Santiago should be back to normal within the next day or two. Danny Worth will make the start at second base and bat eighth Tuesday.

Santiago got the call at second base in the nightcap of the doubleheader and didn’t disappoint. The two-run single in the fourth inning off Neftali Feliz was his only hit in three trips to the plate, but it was a big base-knock and strong pitching allowed Detroit to hang on.