Notes: Crowded OF good problem; Turnbull

The Tigers currently have five talented outfielders -- Robbie Grossman, Akil Baddoo, JaCoby Jones, Nomar Mazara and Victor Reyes -- on the Major League roster and manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged that it’s tough to find playing time for those players. Yes, he could put one of the them as a designated hitter, but that spot belongs to Miguel Cabrera.

On Friday, for example, Hinch sat Grossman against the Indians, but there wasn’t an analytical reason for the move. He simply wants all of his outfielders to get involved. Having three permanent outfielders became even tougher for Hinch because of Baddoo, who got off to a 5-for-11 [.455] start with two home runs and a team-leading seven RBIs entering Friday's series opener at Progressive Field.

“It’s hard to get them in the mix, get the right matchups and stay with the hot hand,” Hinch said. “Akil has certainly pushed his way into the conversation. … Those guys have to take turns in order to keep everybody involved. When the DH spot opened up, I’ve used Nomar a time or two. It’s tough with five outfielders that only play outfield. … It’s a difficult roster construction, but it is a good problem to have. They are all playing well.”

Turnbull sent to alternate site

Hinch doesn’t know when right-hander Spencer Turnbull will return to the team. Turnbull is currently on the injured list because of COVID-19 protocol.

The skipper did say, however, that Turnbull is currently at the alternate training site in Toledo. He has to do a few things before he returns to the big league team. If the weather holds up, Turnbull will either throw in a simulated game or play in a game at the alternate training site this weekend.

“Right now, he is moving to the next phase in his rehab, so to speak,” Hinch said. “We’ll continue to assess how he is doing and [decide] where he fits in. Right now, it’s getting into better competition or game-like stuff.”

Last year, Turnbull, was part of the Tigers’ rotation and he posted a respectable 3.97 ERA in 11 starts.

Fetter back with the team

Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter rejoined the team on Friday after missing the start of the season because of COVID-19. Although he was not with the club to start the season, Fetter was able to communicate with his pitching staff via Zoom.

“We have enjoyed his influence from outside, but it’s different having our full group together for the first time,” Hinch said. The pitchers are really happy he is here. They all did their work early with him and he will get his first game under his belt today.”