The Detroit Tigers made a noteworthy roster move on Tuesday by designating catcher Tomas Nido for assignment. This decision opens up space for Jake Rogers, who is returning from the injured list after an absence of about six weeks due to an oblique strain.
Nido’s designation comes as no surprise given his performance. While he boasts a .343 batting average with the Tigers, this figure stems from a small sample size of 12 hits in 37 at-bats, all singles, and he has yet to draw a walk. His high batting average on balls in play at .480 reflects some good fortune rather than consistent hitting. Nido has struggled with a 27% strikeout rate and has frequently chased pitches outside the strike zone. Despite being known as a solid defensive catcher, his offensive numbers paint a less favorable picture, with a career batting line of .210/.245/.309 over 945 major league plate appearances.
At the time of his recall to the majors, Nido was performing poorly in Triple-A with a batting line of .160/.222/.320 in 28 plate appearances. Although the Tigers appreciated his service as a backup catcher, they now hope to successfully pass him through waivers to keep him as a potential depth option in Triple-A Toledo. There remains a possibility that he could be claimed, but based on past experience, where he went unclaimed after being designated by the Mets in June 2023, it is likely he may pass through waivers again. If that happens, Nido will have the option to decline a minor league assignment and opt for free agency.
The move reflects the Tigers’ ongoing strategy to strengthen their roster while managing player depth effectively, especially with Rogers back in the mix, providing a glimpse of their intent to improve as the season progresses. As the team navigates injuries and performance issues, they remain focused on building a competitive lineup.