KANSAS CITY, MO – Zack Short is back with the Detroit Tigers for the second time in five days.
The Tigers traded for Short from the Washington Nationals and added him to their 26-man roster for two days before designating him for assignment. Three days later, after clearing waivers, Short signed a one-year contract with the Tigers.
It’s an MLB contract.
On the same day he signed, Short was written into the Tigers’ starting lineup Friday, May 8, for the opener of a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
This time, Short has replaced third baseman Jace Jung on the 26-man roster.
In eight games, Jung hit .167 (1-for-6) with two walks and one strikeout, spanning eight plate appearances. The 25-year-old made smart swing decisions and put the ball in play at elite rates in a designated hitter role, as the Tigers refused to play him on defense.
Defense is Short’s calling card.
He is a shortstop-first position player, but he also has extensive experience at second and third base.
His offense is a reason to be concerned, hitting .171 with an 11.7% walk rate, 29% strikeout rate and .564 OPS throughout his six-year MLB career, spanning 243 games.
The Tigers cut Short because they thought second baseman Gleyber Torres would avoid a stint on the injured list, only to change their mind and sign Short after Torres eventually landed on the injured list with a left oblique strain.
This story will be updated.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Zack Short signs MLB contract with Detroit Tigers, replacing Jace Jung