Ordonez Returning to Tigers

Magglio Ordonez's rehab stint at Toledo is done and he'll be back with the Tigers for their make-up game versus the Rays Monday night.  Right-handed pitcher Enrique Gonzalez has been outrighted to Toledo to make room on the roster.

The first question is whether Ordonez is fully healthy and ready to hit in the majors.  He had been on the disabled list due to a weak ankle and has not played in the majors since May 10.   He batted just .172 with four extra base hits in 99 at bats for the Tigers.  He claims that he is healthy and able to drive the ball now.  He batted .297 with two homers and a double in 37 at bats for the MudHens.  I think he'll hit well for the Tigers if he can stay healthy, but am skeptical  about the "staying healthy part".

The other question is where he will bat in the line-up.  There is a possibility that Jim Leyland won't want to disrupt Brennan Boesch's hot streak by moving him out of the third spot in the order.  In that case, Ordonez might bat sixth in back of Victor Martinez.  The manager is typically loyal to veterans though, so he'll probably bat Ordonez in his customary number three position.