Chicago – Another day in the big leagues means another start at second base for Niko Goodrum.
It is becoming more of a habit with Ron Gardenhire, the Tigers manager, who happily wrote Goodrum's name on Wednesday's card as the Tigers got ready for Fourth of July duel with the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
"There's a hole there right now," Gardenhire said, speaking of second base, where the previous regular, Dixon Machado, didn't hit enough to earn regular work – yet, anyway.
That makes Goodrum an easy pick when a rookie who can slash an extra-base hit or sprint from first to third – or farther – has been bringing offense the Tigers crave.