Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias out 4-6 months with stress fractures

The initial prognosis surrounding Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias wasn’t positive when it was revealed that he had multiple stress fractures in both legs and that he would be seeing an external specialist, but now, the real diagnosis has been levied and it isn’t pretty for the team or the player.

The Tigers announced that the slick-fielding shortstop would be sidelined for at least 4 to 6 months, and here is a portion of the released statement from the club.

"Jose Iglesias was examined by Dr. Thomas Clanton in Colorado on Tuesday. Dr. Clanton reviewed the previous diagnostic studies (bone scan and MRI) which had shown bilateral tibial stress fractures. Upon review, he recommended the recent CT scan, which indicated bilateral tibial stress fractures. Jose will continue the same treatment regimen, but his activity will be limited to non-weight bearing conditioning such as biking, swimming and upper body strengthening for the next four to six months. He will be reevaluated at the four month mark."

In short, this is disastrous for Detroit, but not unexpected. Iglesias is widely considered to be one of the top-2 shortstops in baseball (along with Andrelton Simmons) from a defensive standpoint, and with their well-chronicled defense issues in the infield, a previous strength looks like a weakness again. It remains to be seen if Detroit will make a move, but until they do, they’ll have to look within for options.

Stay tuned.