Last season, the Detroit Tigers signed Jordy Mercer to be their starting shortstop.
Mercer was one of two veteran additions to the middle of the Tigers’ infield, which they felt they further prioritized by signing long time double play partner Josh Harrison at second base.
But 2019 did not play out as planned: Mercer played just 74 games, battling hamstring injuries throughout, and Harrison only played 36, leaving them exposed up the middle.
This season, Mercer will return to Detroit, angling for a backup shortstop or bench position. The Tigers signed Mercer to a minor-league deal on Thursday morning, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.