Steve Lombardozzi.jpg

Tigers super utility player Steve Lombardozzi has major league experience in left field and second and third base. He's made two career appearances at shortstop.

(AP File Photo)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Tigers manager Brad Ausmus would be absolutely thrilled if he could pencil shortstop Jose Iglesias into his starting lineup every game in 2014. But it's simply not a realistic expectation.

Even if completely healthy, there will be a handful of days when Iglesias will need rest. And when he does, expect super utility player Steve Lombardozzi to spell him at short.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski confirmed Tuesday that Lombardozzi, who was acquired in the deal that sent Doug Fister to Washington earlier this month, will be the primary backup to Iglesias.

"I think he can go over there and play there," Dombrowski said.

The decision is considered a bit of a risk for the Tigers, considering Lombardozzi had only two career major league games at shortstop over his three-year career in Washington.

But Dombrowski is confident Lombardozzi, who has experience in left field and second and third base, will be able to make an occasional start at shortstop to rest Iglesias.

"I don't think he's a guy you'd pencil in for a month if something happens," Dombrowski said. "That's why you have a guy like Hernan Perez who could probably do it."

Considered the club's second baseman of the future, Perez was in line to be the Tigers' starting second baseman in 2014 before the team acquired Ian Kinsler from Texas.

Perez will get an opportunity to compete for a spot on the Tigers' Opening Day roster this spring, but Dombrowski expects the 22-year-old to open the season in Triple-A Toledo.

"We look at him as a second baseman, but he can also play shortstop and I think he'll probably play both, because he can protect us at both places," he said.

STACKING THE FARM

The Tigers weren't prepared to announce their minor-league signings Tuesday, but assistant general manager Al Avila did confirm several key offseason pick-ups, which included a pair of hard-throwing righties in Jhan Marinez and Eduardo Sanchez.

The Tigers signed Marinez and Sanchez to minor-league deals last month and expect both righties to compete for spots in the club's bullpen this spring.

"Even if they might not be able to help us in the beginning, we feel that at some point down the road that they can help us at the big-league level if the need came about," he said.

Marinez, 25, went 2-4 with a 6.11 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP in 28 innings with Triple-A Charlotte last season. He made two appearances with the White Sox last year, giving up two hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings. He was outrighted off the roster in September.

Sanchez, 24, has a career 3.68 ERA and five saves in 51 1/3 innings, which spans 47 appearances between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs.

A FAMILIAR FACE

Avila also confirmed a report that the organization has brought back former Triple-A Toledo slugger Mike Hessman on a minor-league contract. The deal does not include a major league spring training invitation.

Named the International League MVP with the Toledo Mud Hens in 2007, Hessman, who will turn 36 in March, is expected to open the season in Triple-A, and will likely split time between designated hitter and third base.

"We wanted a famous bat for Toledo," Avila said.

ODDS & ENDS

-- Also re-signed to a minor-league deal was catcher Ronny Paulino, who is expected to back up highly touted prospect James McCann in Triple-A Toledo. Said Avila: "He'll get his at-bats at DH and maybe even a little first because we want to keep his bat going."

-- With the 40-man roster at capacity, the Tigers will need to clear a spot to make room for outfielder Rajai Davis. The team won't confirm the acquisition of Davis until he has passed his physical, per policy.

-- Dombrowski confirmed that the Tigers do not intend to be active in the Rule 5 draft on Thursday morning. The team's roster currently stands at 40 and the deadline to make room was Monday. The Tigers could participate in the minor-league portion of the draft.

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