LAKELAND, Fla. -- Danny Worth sat on the stool in front of his locker, gripping his black bat gently and waving it in tight circles.
That stick could hold the answer to whether or not Worth claims the extra roster spot created by the loss of left fielder Andy Dirks, who's out until mid-June after having back surgery Monday. Worth has the most experience and versatility, as well as the best glove of the infielders who could factor into consideration.
However, Worth was batting .188 in Grapefruit League games entering Saturday's game with the New York Mets. And an outfielder such as switch-hitting Trevor Crowe or left-handed swinger Ezequiel Carrera â- who's beginning to turn some heads -- could get that spot vacated by the left-handed hitting Dirks.
"Danny's a good option should something happen to an infielder," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "He's done everything that I've asked."
Only seven players have more than Worth's 13 at-bats through 10 games, and he's getting a good look from the Tigers.
"I'm playing a lot and that's been great," said Worth, who spent the winter rehabilitating the left-shoulder subluxation that put him on the 60-day disabled list three games after getting called up in September.
"I did a lot of range of motion and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder," said Worth, who had a program set up by Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand. "At first, I just had to let it heal. Around the first of the year, I was able to begin to hit, throw and field."
Worth has looked good defensively, but his bat appears a bit slow as he works to get back his stroke. He's hit .242 in the majors and .248 in the minors, but has just two homers and 14 RBIs in 219 big league at-bats.
Worth has been good enough to get called up 12 times for the Tigers since 2010, but not good enough to get more than 106 at-bats in any one season for Detroit. Still, the Tigers did place him on their 2012 post-season roster, and he did the little things to help win a few games.
Since he's on a minor-league contract, Worth's options to the minors are no longer a factor. He'll very likely start the season in Toledo, but Ausmus knows he has a steady hand available if shortstop Jose Iglesias has recurring shin issues.
Worth hasn't made an error in 106 total chances as a Tigers shortstop. He can also play in the outfield and at second and third base.
JOBA'S RETURN
Joba Chamberlain gave up a single and a walk Friday against his former team, the New York Yankees, at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. He also struck out a pair and didn't allow any scoring.
"When his slider's on," Ausmus said, "it's a swing-and-miss pitch. And he threw a couple of good sliders."
Said Chamberlain: "The slider was about the only thing I was happy with. But when you don't have your best stuff, you rely on the pitch you know is there for you."
What did he hear from the fans?
"I heard everything, good and bad," Chamberlain said. "I heard a lot of, 'We miss you.' That was nice. The fans have been great, and I'm very appreciative."
IGLESIAS UPDATE
Ausmus spoke with Iglesias before practice, and Ausmus was pleased with the report after Iglesias (stress reaction in shins) worked out Friday in Lakeland.
"He took batting practice on the field and did fine," Ausmus said. "He did some running and felt it a little bit. He played some soft toss. He'll do the same thing today."
Asked when he will play Iglesias, Ausmus said, "When he tells me he's fine."
AROUND THE HORN: Former Tigers fan favorite Curtis Granderson didn't make the trip for Saturday's game with his new team, the Mets. He's batting .364 with two homers in 11 at-bats ... Ex-Tigers pitching coach Dan Warthen now holds that job for the Mets ... Victor Jose Martinez, the young son of Detroit designated hitter Victor Martinez, wore his black and gold East Orlando Tigers uniform with a No. 6. Al Kaline beamed when that was pointed out.
