The Detroit Tigers announced on Wednesday that they have invited 17 players to major league camp in Lakeland, Florida.
The names include some familiar faces like Don Kelly, Shawn Hill, and Nick Castellanos.
Kelly, who will turn 33 at the start of spring training, reportedly turned down a National League team to remain with the Tigers. After struggling at the plate last season, his contract was out righted to Triple-A affiliate Toledo. He is the only active MLB player to play all 9 positions in his career.
Right handed pitcher Shawn Hill is another veteran of the camp invitees. The 31-year-old was drafted back in 2000 by the Montreal Expos. Hill has battled injuries throughout his career, including Tommy John surgery in 2005 and again in 2009. He also spent time at the major league level with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010 and last season. He is a career 10-12 starter with a 4.69 ERA.
The infamous Nick Castellanos will get a great opportunity to display his talents in big league camp. He is coming off an impressive 2012 season which saw him hit .405 in 55 games with Class-A Lakeland Tigers. After finally being promoted to Double-A Erie, he hit a respectable .264 with 7 homeruns and 25 RBIs in 79 games.
The full list is as followed:
Left-handed pitchers: Jose Alvarez, Kenny Faulk, Ryan Robowski
Right-handed pitchers: Trevor Bell, Shawn Hill, Michael Morrison
Catchers: Curt Casali, Brad Davis, James McCann
Infielders: Argenis Diaz, Eugenio Suarez
Outfielders: Tyler Collins, Daniel Fields
IF/OF: Nick Castellanos, Don Kelly, Kevin Russo, Matt Tuiasosopo
Worth nothing: Daniel Fields was born and raised in Detroit, MI. A graduate of University of Detroit Jesuit High School, he was drafted in the 6th round of the 2009 draft. He is the son of former Detroit Tigers player and current Tigers minor league hitting coordinator Bruce Fields.
Pitchers and catchers report to Lakeland on February 12th.
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