LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers moved closer to setting their Opening Day roster on Saturday by granting Alexi Amarista his unconditional release, ending the versatile infielder's quest for a bench role in Detroit.
The move leaves 27 players in camp and nearly sets Detroit's positional roster. If the Tigers go with a four-man bench as expected, then non-roster invite Niko Goodrum is in line to make the team, along with outfielder JaCoby Jones, Rule 5 Draft pick Victor Reyes and backup catcher John Hicks.
The Tigers' pitching staff, meanwhile, has two decisions remaining.