Tigers' Mikie Mahtook: Could get time in right

With J.D. Martinez out 3-4 weeks, Mahtook is a candidate to play some in right field, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Analysis:

Mahtook was penciled into a center field platoon with Tyler Collins to begin spring training, but both are options to play in right. Mahtook played 18 games in right for Tampa Bay in 2016 and 23 in center. Mahtook got off to a terrible start this spring, as he was hitting just .074 through his first 12 games. Since then, he's been able to get the average up to .213, which should give the club at least some confidence that Mahtook can be a regular player. But he might not have the longest leash, especially with Martinez due back and prospect JaCoby Jones waiting in the wings.