Andrew Romine.jpg

Tigers shortstop Andrew Romine throws the ball to first base against the Twins on Sept. 26.

(AP File Photo)

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers may have found their new Don Kelly.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Thursday that utility infielder Andrew Romine has been instructed to get some work in the outfield, in conjunction with his regular workload in the infield, when he reports to spring training next month.

Considered an above-average defensive shortstop, Romine confirmed the move Thursday before departing on the Tigers Winter Caravan and said he's been preparing for the new role this offseason in California with his brother, Austin, and his father, Kevin, a former utility player for the Boston Red Sox.

"The key to improving out there will just be getting reps, seeing balls off the bat," Romine said. "Lengthening out my arm is a little difficult, but I'm working on it."

The decision to develop Romine as an outfielder was made in an effort to improve the 29-year-old's versatility with hopes he could possibly fill a super-utility role, previously held by Kelly, who signed a minor league deal with the Miami Marlins earlier this week. Kelly has played every position during his seven-year career.

"We need someone, hopefully, that can do similar to what Donnie did, in terms of versatility," said Ausmus, who added Thursday that utility infielder Hernan Perez has also been asked to get some work in the outfield next month.

"I've talked to (Perez) about it," Ausmus said. "He's all in, too."

Both players will work with third-base coach Dave Clark, who also serves as the team's outfield instructor, this spring.

Romine, who has never played outfield in his professional career, said he will also get some work at shortstop, third base and first base. Romine has played third base in 28 career games, but said he has never played at first.

"I'll play wherever they want me to play," Romine said. "I don't care where it is, as long as I get a chance to be out there on the field."

Like Romine, Perez is out of options, which means the Tigers will have to carry him on their big-league roster out of spring training or risk losing him to another team through the waiver process. If the Tigers were to designate Perez for assignment, there's a strong likelihood he would be claimed off waivers by another team.

Perez, 23, was expected to play more than a dozen games in the outfield during winter ball, but he suffered a knee injury that prevented him from getting any outfield work. Ausmus said he's expected to be 100 percent this spring.

As it stands today, it's difficult to envision a team in which both Romine and Perez make the opening day roster, but Ausmus isn't entirely ruling it out just yet.

"There's certainly a scenario," Ausmus said. "But if there's an injury, obviously, that would change things."

The Tigers are likely to enter the season with 13 position players, including Jose Iglesias, who is expected to serve as the team's everyday shortstop. If the Tigers were open the season with Iglesias, Romine and Perez, it seems either Romine or Perez -- or both -- would need to be capable of playing in the outfield.

The Tigers already have four outfield spots locked up with Yoenis Cespedes, J.D. Martinez, Rajai Davis and Anthony Gose. Tyler Collins and Steven Moya would likely open the season in the minors if both Romine and Perez broke camp with the Tigers.

"I don't know how it's going to play out," Ausmus said. "It could be a very tough decision."

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