The Detroit Tigers optioned Jace Jung and left-handed reliever Sean Guenther to Triple-A Toledo on Monday, the team announced. The move trims the big-league roster as spring training nears its conclusion and reshapes the Mud Hens’ infield, particularly for fellow infielders Hao-Yu Lee and Andrew Navigato.
Jung’s reassignment adds another layer of competition to the Toledo infield, with Ryan Kreidler and Jahmai Jones still battling for a final spot on the Tigers’ Opening Day roster. One or both of them could be sent to Toledo, further crowding an already deep infield mix.
Jace Jung’s Role in Toledo
Jung struggled at the plate during camp, hitting .121/.216/.273 (4-for-33) with two doubles and one home run in 14 games. The former first-round pick showed flashes of power, but ultimately did not do enough to secure a spot on the Tigers’ Opening Day roster.
Coming off offseason wrist surgery, Jung may still be regaining his form. With his assignment to Toledo, he is expected to receive regular playing time, though his defensive position remains uncertain.
The Tigers initially planned to transition Jung into a regular third baseman in Toledo in 2024, but in a small big-league sample, he struggled defensively at the position. His defense at second base, however, is not in question.
Who’s at Third?
No, it’s not the start of an Abbott and Costello joke—it’s a legitimate question: Who will play third base on Opening Day for Toledo?
Lee, acquired from the Phillies in the Michael Lorenzen trade, and Navigato, who also saw time in left field during spring training, are both in the mix. (Navigato played 22 games at 3rd in 2024) However, Navigato’s versatility could push him into more of an overall utility role, allowing him to bounce between the infield and outfield as needed.
If Lee gets extended time at third, he will need to refine his swing mechanics—an adjustment Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris highlighted during a recent broadcast. Meanwhile, Navigato has made a strong case for a role after hitting .400 (10-for-25) in spring training, but he must improve his power against left-handed pitching. In 2024, he hit just one home run off lefties in Toledo.
Kreidler and Jones Add More Competition
The expected additions of Kreidler or Jones could further complicate Toledo’s infield depth chart. Kreidler has experience at multiple infield positions and even some outfield, while Jones has played second and third as well as the outfield. However, it appears likely Jones could be a regular in Toledo’s outfield rather than part of the infield rotation.
Their positional flexibility gives the Tigers depth in case of injuries at the major league level but could also lead to a rotation of players moving around in Toledo early in the season.
Guenther Adds to Deep Toledo Bullpen
On the pitching side, Guenther struggled in his limited opportunities, posting a 17.18 ERA in four appearances with four strikeouts and a 3.00 WHIP. His reassignment to Toledo adds bullpen depth to a staff that, on paper, appears to be one of the deepest in recent Mud Hens history.
With the Tigers prioritizing positional flexibility at the big-league level, the infield alignment in Toledo could determine which prospect gets the next call-up. Jace Jung remains one of the organization’s top infield prospects, but Lee and Navigato will also have a chance to prove their readiness for a major league role, somewhere on the Tigers’ roster.
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Joe Rampe 
Chris Brown 
Emily Waldon