DETROIT -- Mikie Mahtook's promotion to Detroit shaved almost an hour off his commute.
The outfielder leased a place in Royal Oak before the season, fully expecting to spend the summer with the Tigers.
But an early-season slump and a surprising demotion set the tone for what has been a frustrating season. It also gave him a 70-minute commute.
Mahtook was recalled on Monday for what will be his fourth stint with the big-league club in 2018. It also might be the most important.
If Mahtook hits well over the final six weeks of the season, the Tigers are more likely to keep him on the roster over the winter and give him a shot to win at least a bench spot in 2019.