Following Wednesday’s win over the Los Angeles Angels, the Detroit Tigers announced that they have purchased the contract of infielder Ronny Rodriguez from Triple-A Toledo. To make room for Rodriguez on the 25-man roster, the Tigers optioned catcher Grayson Greiner prior to Thursday’s series finale against the Angels. Rodriguez hit for the cycle in the minors on Wednesday, and is batting .318/.341/.540 with eight home runs and 25 extra-base hits in 48 games this year.
However, the impetus for Rodriguez’s call-up wasn’t just his performance. Rodriguez had an opt-out clause in his contract that would allow him to become a free agent if he was not on the 25-man roster by a certain date (likely June 1).