The last time many Tigers fans heard about Jordany Valdespin, he was limping off the field at Joker Marchant Stadium, hit in the groin by a Justin Verlander fastball. Three years later, Valdespin returns, having agreed to terms with the Tigers on a minor-league contract.
A source confirmed the initial report from Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. The deal does not include an invitation to Major League camp, so barring depth issues, Valdespin will report to minor-league camp and likely open the season at Triple-A Toledo.
Valdespin, who turns 28 years old on Wednesday, is a superutility player who hits left-handed, a role he filled as a middle infielder and outfielder with the Mets in 2012 and 2013.