Tigers re-sign Zack Short; injury updates on Mize, Vest

Kansas City, Mo. – Another day, another updated medical report and another roster move.

The Tigers on Friday signed infielder Zack Short to a Major League contract and optioned Jace Jung to Triple-A Toledo.

Short, designated for assignment by the Tigers earlier in the week, cleared waivers and opted for free agency. Had he accepted the Tigers' assignment and reported to Triple-A Toledo, he could not have been called up unless he was replacing an injured player, which he is not.

The Tigers, expecting to face two left-handed pitchers against the Royals this weekend, wanted the extra right-handed bat. More importantly, they needed Short’s defensive ability and versatility, especially after second baseman Gleyber Torres went on the injured list with an oblique strain.

Short started at shortstop Friday with Kevin McGonigle starting at third with Hao-Yu Lee at second against lefty Kris Bubic.

Here are the injury updates:

▶ RHP Casey Mize (right adductor strain) threw a bullpen in Lakeland Friday. “That was his best bullpen to date,” manager AJ Hinch said.

The next step will be to face hitters.

Hinch also left open the possibility that Mize won’t need to make any rehab starts.

“He hasn't been out as long,” Hinch said. “His volume is still built up. We’re going to scour over his bullpen and see what’s next. I would like him to see some hitters. Whether that’s a sim game or a rehab game, we will talk that through.”

▶ RHP Justin Verlander (hip) will throw a two-inning sim game Saturday in Kansas City and possibly another on Thursday before the finale against the Mets.

“Justin has been out a long time (since April 1),” Hinch said. “I would fully expect him to have to do multiple things before getting into a Major League game. Is (the sim game) one of those things? Of course. That is a step in the right direction.”

▶ RHP Will Vest (forearm inflammation) got a cortisone injection on Friday and is expected to resume his throwing program.

“That’s great news,” Hinch said. “We were able to get it diagnosed and treated and he can start baseball activity soon.”

▶ RHP Troy Melton (elbow) was scheduled to make his second rehab start with Low-A Lakeland on Friday.

▶ RHP Beau Brieske (groin) will make a rehab outing in Lakeland Saturday.

▶ RHP Connor Seabold (ankle) was scheduled to pitch in a rehab game with Lakeland Friday.     

Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com

@cmccosky

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Zack Short signed a MLB contract while Jace Jung optioned to AAA