The Detroit Tigers sured up their starting pitching rotation and now have an everyday second baseman after making a trade with the Miami Marlins. Right-hander Anibal Sanchez and second baseman Omar Infante will join the Tigers, while pitching prospect Jacob Turner, minor league catcher Rob Brantly and minor league pitcher Bryan Flynn are headed to Miami.

Infante returns to the first place Tigers, he played with Detroit from 2002-2007. The 30-year-old is hitting .287 with eight homers and 33 RBIs. Sanchez is best known for pitching a no-hitter for the Marlins in 2006. He’s 28-years-old and has a 3.94 ERA this season. His career WHIP is1.35. He’ll give the Tigers a solid fourth starter behind Justin Verlander, Doug Fister and Max Scherzer. Sanchez will be a free agent at the end of the season, while Infante is locked up through 2013.

Although Turner was considered the Tigers best pitching prospect, his starts in the majors were inconstant. Brantly is widely considered to be a player that has the talent to eventually play in the big leagues. Although GM Dave Dombrowski gave up young talent, the trade is worth it for a team that is trying to win a World Series championship this season. Turner wasn’t going to play a big part with the team in 2012 and the Tigers already have their franchise catcher in Alex Avilla. The deal made sense for a team that is now in first place and looking to improve their roster for the stretch run.

You can expect to see Infante batting in the number two hole, especially against lefties. Utility man Ryan Raburn will likely be the odd man out, although Raburn will probably keep his job until Andy Dirks returns from injury. Infante can also play shortstop, so the Tigers now have flexibility and depth on the infield.

The Tigers will start a nine game road trip on Tuesday in Cleveland.

-Sam Plymale