Tigers Trade CF Martin To Indians

Just hours before the Major League Baseball (MLB) non-waiver trade deadline (4pm eastern on Tuesday), the Detroit Tigers have sent starting centerfielder Leonys Martin (pictured) to the division rival Cleveland Indians for a minor-league shortstop.

The Detroit Tigers will also send right-handed minor-league pitcher Kyle Dowdy to the Tribe.  The Tigers get shortstop prospect Willi Castro from Cleveland.

Castro fills a potential need at starting shortstop in the near-future as current starter Jose Iglesias is a free agent after the season is over.  The Indians have been looking for someone to stabilize center field for them, Martin potentially does that for the American League Central leaders.

This is the first in-season trade the Tigers have made this season.  The team also announced that outfielder Mike Gerber has been called up from Toledo to take Martin's spot on the 25-man active roster.