Wynton Bernard.jpg

Wynton Bernard hits right-handed, plays center field and is on the 40-man roster. But he's never played above the Double-A level.

(AP Photo)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The Detroit Tigers have plenty of outfield depth in camp this spring. But they don't have a ton of depth in center field.

That is problematic now that Cameron Maybin has a broken left wrist. Maybin is expected to be out of action for four to six weeks, so his availability for opening day is certainly in doubt.

Besides Anthony Gose, who will the Tigers use in center field early in the season if Maybin is not back in time? Here are five options:

Wynton Bernard

* 2015 numbers (Double-A Erie): .301, 4 HRs, 36 RBIs, 43 SBs, .761 OPS

* Why it's a good idea: The Tigers have nine outfielders in camp who have big-league experience, but none of them are pure center fielders. Bernard is. He also bats right-handed, which makes him a legitimate platoon option to pair with Gose.

* Why it isn't: Bernard has posted solid offensive numbers in back-to-back seasons, but he still has never played above the Double-A level. He would benefit from regular at-bats at the Triple-A level this season.

Tyler Collins

* 2015 numbers (Detroit): .266, 4 HRs, 25 RBIs, .732 OPS

* Why it's a good idea: Collins posted solid numbers in limited action in the big leagues in 2015 and posted solid numbers down the stretch. He hit .293 with an .856 OPS in 85 plate appearances in the final month of the season. He has played center field at times in the past.

* Why it isn't: Collins is not a true center fielder. He also hits left-handed, as Gose does, so he doesn't make much sense as a complementary piece in center. Gose has struggled against left-handed pitching. The Tigers need someone who can play center who doesn't.

Mike Aviles

* 2015 numbers (Cleveland): .231, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs, .599 OPS

* Why it's a good idea: Aviles is a versatile player who hits right-handed and is already bound for the opening day roster. If the Tigers settled on him as a part-time player in center field, they could replace Maybin on the roster with whichever player filled a need, no matter what position that player played.

* Why it isn't: Aviles can play just about any position on the field, but his time in center field has been limited. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said he sees Aviles as an "emergency" option in center.

Andrew Romine

* 2015 numbers (Detroit): .255, 2 HRs, 15 RBIs, .622 OPS

* Why it's a good idea: Romine is a talented defensive player who could play center in a pinch. He is a switch hitter as well, which means he could start against left-handers.

* Why it isn't: Romine is a utility infielder who has appeared in just two games in the majors as an outfielder. Like Aviles, it's hard to imagine that he would be a better option in center than a guy like Bernard, at least in the short term.

Austin Jackson

* 2015 numbers (Mariners, Cubs): .267, 9 HRs, 48 RBIs, .696 OPS

* Why it's a good idea: Jackson hits right-handed. He plays center field. He is the only true big-league center fielder who is still available on the free agent market.

* Why it isn't: The Tigers will very likely need a replacement for Maybin for only a short time. It would be a shock if the Tigers were willing to pay the price that Jackson, a Scott Boras client, is seeking when the problem they have in center appears to be more of a short-term issue.

Summary

This appears to be a major opportunity for Bernard to make an impression. It would not be a shock if he were on the opening day roster in place of Maybin. If the Tigers look outside the organization for help, expect them to seek someone who has center field experience who is currently in camp elsewhere who could opt out for a big-league opportunity late in camp.

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