The Detroit Tigers were one of baseball’s most compelling stories in the second half of the 2024 season. But this year, they aren’t looking to be an underdog tale or earn the nickname “Cardiac Cats.” Instead, AJ Hinch’s squad is dominating opponents and pushing hard for a commanding playoff run. Currently sitting at 41-23, the Tigers boast the best record in Major League Baseball and have their sights set on capturing their first World Series title in 41 years. With those ambitions, though, come some difficult roster decisions.
One of those decisions came recently, as the Tigers optioned veteran utility man Andy Ibáñez to Triple-A Toledo to make room for 2015 second-round pick Jahmai Jones. The 32-year-old Cuban has been inconsistent at the plate for several years and is especially slumping this season, hitting just .213 with a .292 OBP and a .612 OPS over 94 at-bats. While Hinch values Ibáñez’s defensive flexibility and clubhouse presence, he acknowledged that a reset is needed.
Hinch shared how he approached the decision with Ibáñez before Friday’s matchup against the NL-leading Chicago Cubs (39-23), telling reporters (via MLive’s Evan Woodbery), “It was a positive message — go get some at-bats and get back on track. We need the best version of Andy to match up with the moves opponents make, especially with how left-handed we are. Andy brings a lot to this team. He’s been a key contributor the last few seasons. He just hasn’t looked right at the plate this year, but I know he can get back to form. A short stint in Toledo should help him reset and get his swing back in rhythm.”
For a player in his 30s, being sent to the minors can feel like the beginning of the end. But the Tigers haven’t forgotten what Ibáñez is capable of. Just last October, he delivered a clutch pinch-hit, three-run double off elite Astros reliever Josh Hader in the AL Wild Card Series, helping Detroit secure a dramatic win. If he can rediscover his swing with the Mud Hens, he may have another chance to shine on the postseason stage.
In the meantime, Detroit will aim to keep its momentum going in a potential World Series preview, as the Tigers host the Cubs at Comerica Park. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET.
