MLB Detroit Tigers

Uncertain Future Awaits Detroit Tigers’ Andy Dirks

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By @Brad_Faber

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Back in early March, it was announced that Detroit Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks would be undergoing back surgery. Although he was originally only expected to miss approximately 12 weeks, he ultimately missed the entire season after hitting a series of snags on his rehab assignment.

Given the fact that Dirks only posted a .256 batting average with a .686 OPS in 2013, many will likely look back and consider his absence from the 2014 Tigers to be far less significant than the losses of shortstop Jose Iglesias and flame-throwing setup man Bruce Rondon, both of whom also missed the entire 2014 campaign. The fact that the Tigers were able to capture lightning in a bottle with J.D. Martinez more than cushioned the blow of losing Dirks as well.

That said, Dirks is still the guy who boasted a .322 batting average with an .857 OPS through 88 games back in 2012, and one cannot help but wonder what his future with the Tigers organization now looks like. Assuming he is healthy next spring, there could honestly be a number of variables that could determine what type of role — if any — the soon-to-be 29-year-old will have with the Tigers in 2015.

One factor that may bode well for Dirks is the fact that he is a left-handed hitter, and the Tigers are very light on left-handed bats. They will become even more deficient in the area of left-handed sticks if switch-hitting Victor Martinez, who was by and large the team’s only consistent threat from the left side of the plate this season, decides to depart via free agency.

As far as the Tigers’ outfield goes, one would also have to believe that (J.D.) Martinez is the only player who is essentially a lock to win a starting job, with Rajai Davis likely slated to be a quasi-regular player. Torii Hunter has reportedly been considering retirement, but there is the outside possibility that the Tigers could re-sign him as well, which could also impact Dirks.

The Tigers also have a pair of young left-handed swinging outfielders in Steven Moya and Tyler Collins, each of whom could be vying for a spot in the Tigers’ outfield along with Dirks next spring. Detroit is reportedly toying with the idea of moving infield prospect Devon Travis to the outfield, too.

There is also, of course, the wild card that the Tigers could trade Dirks, but they would probably have to sell low as he is coming back from an injury. Detroit may also want to consider adding an outfielder via free agency this winter, perhaps someone such as Melky Cabrera or Colby Rasmus.

At this particular point in time, it is simply difficult to predict what the future has in store for Dirks. If one had to make an educated guess, however, the signs may point to the Tigers using him as a part-time outfielder, a role that was envisioned for him before he was sidelined this season.

Brad Faber is a Detroit Tigers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Brad_Faber, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google. 

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