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Lapped by Kevin McGonigle, Sweeney will need to play at second or third to have a future for the Tigers going forward after this lost season. Sweeney hit .196/.258/.291 in 326 plate appearances last season and will need to come back strong from his surgery to have a real shot at an everyday role.

The move clears a spot on Detroit’s 40-man roster for pitcher Grant Holman. Sweeney is on the shelf with a shoulder strain and won’t be eligible to return until at least late May. He’s obviously been surpassed by Kevin McGonigle in the pecking order up the middle.

Sweeney has begun swinging a bat, but his injury has opened the door for Kevin McGonigle to make the Opening Day roster. That may prove to be too big an obstacle for Sweeney to overcome when he’s recovered from his shoulder injury. However, McGonigle can play multiple positions on the infield, which could create an avenue for Sweeney eventually.

Sweeney has been shut down all spring training with a right shoulder strain. That has opened up an opportunity for Kevin McGonigle to push for the starting shortstop job. If he takes that, it’s unlikely that Sweeney would get it back.

No word yet on the severity of the issue or on how much time the 25-year-old infielder may miss. Sweeney had already been seemingly phased out of the mix to open the season as the Tigers’ starting shortstop, so missing time during Grapefruit League play isn’t likely to hurt him in that regard.