Ex-Tigers minor leaguer returns to big leagues with Mets

Azocar
Jose Azocar originally signed with the Tigers out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)AP

DETROIT -- Former Detroit Tigers farmhand José Azocar is headed back to the big leagues -- this time with the New York Mets.

The outfielder was selected from Triple-A Syracuse to replace the injured José Siri on Thursday.

Azocar, who turns 29 next month, originally signed with the Tigers as a teenager out of Venezuela but never advanced beyond the Double-A level.

He signed with the Padres as a minor-league free agent before the 2021 season and made San Diego’s Opening Day roster in 2022. He bounced between Triple-A El Paso and the Padres for most of the next three seasons.

Known for his speed and defense, Azocar owns a .610 OPS (74 OPS+) in 397 career plate appearances in the big leagues.

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