Tigers Report: Inside Pitch

The search for a right-handed bat who can serve as the designated hitter when Victor Martinez catches against southpaw starters will occupy some of manager Jim Leyland's thinking during spring training.

Martinez will be the designated hitter against right-handed starters, with Alex Avila behind the plate.

Not having the switch-hitting Carlos Guillen, who is being brought along slowly after September microfracture knee surgery, for the start of the season complicates the matter.

Leyland initially could opt for the platoon combination of Will Rhymes, a left-handed bat, and Scott Sizemore, who hits right-handed, at second base. Sizemore would start against left-handers, obviously.

But that would leave Rhymes on the bench with Don Kelly, another left-handed hitter. Reserve middle infielder Ramon Santiago, a switch-hitter, could enter the lineup either as the shortstop, with Jhonny Peralta as the designated hitter, or at third base to give Brandon Inge a break, or could be the designated hitter.

Leyland will have a lot of options for his last bench spot, probably one of the outfielders in camp. Brennan Boesch and Clete Thomas are left-handed hitters, as is rookie Andy Dirks, who is getting some play as a spare outfield possibility.

The only prominent right-handed hitting outfield candidate is Casper Wells, who hit well last September, but has had to overcome questions about having a long swing and whether or not he can handle big league fastballs.

A healthy and reliable Guillen would help Leyland a lot.

Guillen could play second base against left-handers or be the designated hitter, with Santiago or Sizemore playing second.

Frequent stays on the disabled list for Guillen in recent years means Leyland must have a solid backup plan.

While the manager looks at his alternatives in the exhibition season, general manager Dave Dombrowski will watches the waiver wire to see if any possibilities come along late in March.

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