The Tigers have DFA’d veteran infielder Renato Núñez after slashing .148/.207/.444 with just 29 trips to the plate this season. In that span, Núñez was also called out on strikes eight times while just walking once.
The move was made to make room for 25-year-old rookie Zack Short who was acquired from the Cubs in the Cameron Maybin deal. Unlike Núñez who’s a defensive liability, Short is seen as a plus defender who has power to hit the gaps. Although Short hasn’t slashed all that well in the minors (.241/.377/.405), Short does have a good tendency to get on base via the walk with a 16.4 percent rate.
Núñez’s getting DFA’s would also serve as the corresponding move to reactivate Spencer Turnbull off the COVID-19 list according to Evan Woodberry of Mlive.com.
As far as Núñez’s future goes, the Tiger’s will have the next week to either trade or try and pass the 27-year-old through waivers. However, Núñez can reject a minor-league assignment considering he already passed through waivers once before.
