MINNEAPOLIS — Wednesday was a day to remember for little used Detroit Tigers utility man Andrew Romine.
Romine, who hadn’t started a game since April 11, got the nod at shortstop and proceeded to pound out four hits, including an RBI-single that drove in the winning run in the eighth inning, helping Detroit to a 10-7 win in the rubber match of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
For Romine, it was just his second start of the season. In the two-plus weeks since his last outing, Romine had only three pinch hitting appearances.
How does a guy keep his swing in shape with such few at-bats?
“A lot of work. Lotta work. I’m in the cage with (assistant hitting coach Dave Newhan) and (hitting coach) Wally (Joyner) and we’re making sure I get whatever I can, whether that’s a live arm from our guys in the bullpen just to stand and watch or fire up the machine in there and just crank it up, see what we can get going,” Romine said. “So it’s a lot of work and everybody’s got a routine, so we’re just trying to set a routine to where, when I do get to play and start and get more than one or two at-bats, I’m ready for it.”
Romine’s four hits were only a small part of what the Tigers’ bottom of the order was able to accomplish against Twins pitching Wednesday. No. 7 hitter Nick Castellanos had two hits and an RBI and scored twice and catcher James McCann had three hits, including an inside-the-park home run — his first career homer. Including Romine, who batted ninth, the trip went 9-for-12 from the plate and knocked in four runs, doing more than just setting the table for the top of the order.
“That’s pretty much all we’re trying to do,” Romine said. “Our team has a very good idea of what each individual role is, and nobody’s going up there in the 7-8-9 hole trying to hit a four-run home run. We’re just going to get on base. We’ve got the guys that are going to come up. As long as we can get on, it’s going to happen.”
The start at shortstop was his first there this season, although it is his natural spot. He played in 83 games there with the Tigers last season.
This year, he’s already seen time in left field and at third and first base.
It’s that versatility that makes Romine valuable to a veteran team like the Tigers, who have a vast majority of their everyday spots filled by talented players.
On Wednesday, Romine was able to give Jose Iglesias a day off. Other days, it could be for second baseman Ian Kinsler, first baseman Miguel Cabrera. He also figures into the occasional mix at third.
Manager Brad Ausmus said Romine works hard on his craft and that he’s an active body during batting practice, not just in the cage. It’s one of the reasons Romine was able to come off the bench so seamlessly on Wednesday.
“He works his tail off every day in batting practice, and not just hitting, he plays all over the place,” Ausmus said. “Because of that preparation he does on a daily basis, he had a nice day for us.”