Jose Iglesias Back On Field In 12-2 Win Over Florida Southern

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Detroit shortstop Jose Iglesias played in his first game in more than a year, and the Tigers beat Florida Southern 12-2 Monday at spring training.

As planned, Iglesias played one inning. He caught a popup in the top of the first and grounded out in the bottom half.

Iglesias felt discomfort after playing one exhibition game in February 2014. He was out of action for the rest of the season because of stress fractures in both legs.

The 25-year-old Iglesias hit a combined .303 for Boston and the Tigers in 2013.

"Eventually I'm going to get my rhythm back when I get some more games in, but otherwise it's a great feeling to be back out there. Just to be in the uniform is amazing," Iglesias told Tigers' reporters.

Detroit used seven pitchers, none of them expected to make the opening day roster.

Tim Melville, who went 2-11 in Double-A for Kansas City last year, started and pitched two scoreless innings.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said the game was a good way to start off spring training competition. The Moccasins' campus is only a few miles from the Tigertown complex. Florida Southern has won only once during the 29-year tradition.

"It's a good thing for Lakeland," Ausmus said. "It's not a bad idea to get a look at some of our young players in this type of setting. It serves a good purpose."

Andrew Romine, who is getting a look at second base and first for the Tigers, had a hit and drove in two runs.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera took batting practice but won't play much this spring after having ankle surgery last October. Ausmus said he is confident Cabrera will be ready for opening day. ... Victor Martinez did some running early before the game. He is recovering from a knee tear.

UP NEXT

The Tigers will play their first official Grapefruit League game on Tuesday when they host Baltimore. Kyle Lobstein will start for Detroit, followed by Joe Nathan, Tom Gorzelanny, Alex Wilson, Alberto Cabrera, Luke Putkonen, Josh Zeid and Rafael Dolis. Baltimore will start Ubaldo Jimenez. ... Anthony Gose will start in center field in his Detroit debut. He was acquired from Toronto in the offseason.

ALL SIGNED UP

The Tigers reached deals with six players, and have everyone on their 40-man roster under contract. The Tigers agreed to deals with P Kyle Lobstein, C Bryan Holladay, INFs Herman Perez and Andrew Romine, and OFs Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose.

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