TAMPA, Fla. — In a surprising move, Detroit Tigers first baseman Renato Nunez is staying with the organization, despite not getting cut Friday from consideration to make the 26-man Opening Day roster.
The slugger turns 27 next week and will report to Toledo. He is be stationed set to compete at the alternate training site in April before Triple-A games start in May. Manager AJ Hinch wants him to emphasize his defense at first base.
Hinch learned about Nunez's decision Sunday.
"One of the things he told me on the phone was that he loves this team, and he loves the fit," Hinch said Monday.