Erick Aybar is headed to the Tigers to help bolster their bench
The Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves agreed on a trade today that sends infielder Erick Aybar to the Tigers for infielder Mike Aviles and Single-A catcher Kade Scivicque.
For the Tigers, this was about upgrading their bench.
“With all the injuries that we’ve had and talking it over with the staff, we felt like we needed to upgrade our bench,” Avila said. “The main reason for this move is to upgrade our utility position. We feel that Aybar could give us a little more offense from that utility position. Right now, he gives us an experienced, veteran-type player that we feel that will give us a little better offense than, let’s say, Aviles at this point, and the same versatility, really.”
While Aybar has primarily played shortstop, he also has some experience at second base, third base and in the outfield.
“He’s a guy that we had talked about off and on,” Avila said. “Obviously, he didn’t have a very good start to the season going into the All-Star break. As of late, the last month or so, he’s been hitting the ball very well. So he’s picked it up.”
The 32-year-old switch-hitter has been hot since the All-Star break hitting .313 in 27 games.
Heading to Atlanta is the 35-year-old Aviles. A decent utility infielder, he’s struggled this season hitting just .210 with a home run and 6 RBIs.
The 23-year-old Scivicque was a fourth-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. He’s hitting .282 this season with 6 home runs and 41 RBIs.
To help fill the hole left by Aybar’s departure, the Braves are planning on calling up top prospect Dansby Swanson on Wednesday.
