Lakeland, Fla. – The odds against Christin Stewart starting the season with the Tigers were long the day outfielder Robbie Grossman was signed to a two-year, $10 million deal. They grew longer when the club subsequently signed outfielder Nomar Mazara.
Finally, all bets were off after Stewart struck out 10 times in 17 plate appearances this spring. The hammer fell Tuesday when Stewart, a three-time minor league player of the year, was among five players optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
“I don’t know if he was pressing,” manager AJ Hinch said. “I just think we was trying to find his way back to the big leagues and state his case.