DETROIT -- Niko Goodrum and Ronny Rodriguez opened the series against Houston on Monday at first base and shortstop, respectively. On Tuesday, they switched positions in the starting lineup. On Sunday, Goodrum was Detroit's starting right fielder, giving Nicholas Castellanos a day at designated hitter.
This is manager Ron Gardenhire's current conundrum. With starting shortstop Jose Iglesias out, first baseman Miguel Cabrera done for the season and no natural replacement at either, the Tigers have been shuffling so far through September. Dawel Lugo's arrival from Triple-A Toledo has taken second base out of the mix, but with other regulars needing days off and limited infield depth, Goodrum and Rodriguez still get starts elsewhere, including right field and third base this month for Goodrum.