Jhonny Peralta, currently serving the remainder of his 50-game suspension for his involvement in Biogenesis, could return to the Detroit Tigers lineup in time for the MLB playoffs. However, Peralta, who has been the Tigers starting shortstop for the last 3 years, could be playing a new position when he does.
The Tigers have asked Peralta to begin working on learning to play left field, a position he has never played in his 11 year MLB career.
After Peralta’s suspension the Tigers traded for rookie shortstop Jose Iglesias from the Boston Red Sox. Iglesias has proven to be a big upgrade on Peralta defensively, with greater range and a better arm, and so Peralta has been asked to find a new position.
Peralta was hitting .305/.361/.461 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs in 104 games this season. His right handed bat would be a big upgrade on the Tigers incumbent duo of Andy Dirks and Nick Castellanos who have hit .263 with a .718 OPS this season.
Peralta will play left field in the instructional league as he works to prepare for his return to the Detroit lineup later this month when his suspension ends.
Peralta is also capable of playing first base and third base, but with Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera locked in at those spots for Detroit, he is unlikely to get a sniff at those positions as long as the two big bats remain healthy.
The 31-year-old Peralta will be a free agent after this season.
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