The Detroit Tigers optioned Hao-Yu Lee to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, one day after he helped keep them afloat with a homer and a single in a 10-9 win. The move came as Gleyber Torres returned from the injured list and immediately took back the second-base job Lee had been holding down.
Lee, 23, played in 32 games for Detroit and was getting most of the starts at second base before Torres came back. His line there was modest —.205/.241/.337 with a.579 OPS, 24 strikeouts and four walks — and he finished minus-3 defensive runs saved at the position, production that made the roster decision easier once Torres was ready. Still, Tuesday’s move landed after one of Lee’s better nights in the majors, which is part of why the switch felt so abrupt.
Manager AJ Hinch said he was glad Lee had the night he did Monday, but added that the young infielder needs to play every day if possible. Detroit’s choice was down to Lee or Zack Short, and Short’s lack of minor-league options, plus his ability to cover shortstop, pushed the club toward Toledo for Lee. Hinch said that with Short and Zach McKinstry sharing shortstop, rookie Kevin McGonigle should get more time at third base.
Lee’s path with the Tigers was always tied to injuries. Hinch said he was called up quickly, had to learn on the fly and had not spent much time at Triple-A before being thrown into the fire. Even after a broken spring, Hinch said Lee held his own, especially late, and showed enough power, bat speed and versatility to prove he belongs in the conversation when the club needs help again.
That is the tradeoff Detroit made on Tuesday: a player who had just delivered in a one-run win goes back to Toledo because the veteran is healthy again. Hinch told Lee he expects him to be back, but for now the Tigers are choosing Torres at second base and asking Lee to keep building at Triple-A until the next opening comes.
