Anthony Fenech

Detroit Free Press

LAKELAND, Fla. — Add another name into the centerfield competition.

It’s an unlikely name, one that has the most outside of shots, given a number of factors. But veteran Omar Infante wants a shot to make the Detroit Tigers.

And with Ian Kinsler firmly entrenched at second base, the best shot for Infante to make the team out of spring training is in centerfield.

“I’d like to play centerfield because my legs feel good, my arm feels good and everything feels good to try to compete,” Infante said. “I know there’s a lot of guys in here but I have to compete with them and see what happens.”

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Infante, 35, carries the longest of odds: The Tigers signed him to a minor-league deal as a depth infielder this winter and have a number of players who profile better in centerfield.

Tyler Collins and Mikie Mahtook are the favorites, with others such as Anthony Gose and Alex Presley clamoring for a shot.

And though the team isn’t confident Infante could handle centerfield on a daily basis — especially at expansive Comerica Park — the veteran will likely get the chance to make a few appearances there in the spring.

“I’m going to try to do that because I want to play,” Infante said. “When you play infield, you handle a lot of situations. In the outfield, you just read the ball, that’s it.”

Infante split last season between the Royals and Triple-A Gwinnett with the Braves.

His career is coming full circle. He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Tigers and decided to come back because of the strong contingent of Venezuelan players and his comfort with the organization.

“It feels great,” he said. “I’m really happy to be back with the Tigers. Happy to be with the organization that gave me an opportunity to be here. Try to make the team and we’ll see.”

Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech. Download our Tigers Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!