CHICAGO -- Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos and manager Brad Ausmus have had some friendly back-and-forth regarding whether Castellanos will stay at third in the late innings of close games.
"We always joke around about five runs," Ausmus said. "We need a five-run lead, so you better hit a two-run homer."
The Tigers often use utility man Andrew Romine as a defensive replacement. Castellanos is in his third full season as a third baseman, and though fielding metrics indicate he is still a below-average defender, his numbers have improved since last season. Castellanos admits he is still learning, but he's becoming more comfortable at third.