Tigers trying to convert Gose into pitcher

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers formally closed the door on Anthony Gose's quest for their open center-field job. However, they might have opened the door to a second career for him as a pitcher.
The transaction itself was mundane, with Gose -- a non-roster invite to Spring Training this year -- being assigned to Minor League camp on Sunday. But while Gose is expected to play the outfield at Triple-A Toledo, he's also going to explore the idea of becoming a pitcher.
"He came back to us with an idea that we had talked about internally at the end of last season," manager Brad Ausmus said. "He's going to throw a couple bullpen [sessions] here and there."
It's a conversion with a history, from former Cardinals hurler turned outfielder Rick Ankiel to A's closer Sean Doolittle to former Dodgers catcher turned closer Kenley Jansen. In the case of Gose, it's something some scouts have thought he should consider for a while.
Last May 3, Statcast™ measured a Gose throw to home against the Indians at 99.4 mph.

"He was a guy who threw in the mid-90s in high school," Ausmus said. "He's still going to play in center field, but we're going try it out and just see what happens. He came to us with it afterwards.
"It's going to take a little bit of time. He's going to have to be a bit of a sponge and catch up on experience. I think it's worth investigating."
Gose was selected by the Phillies in the second round of the 2008 Draft out of Bellflower High School in California. It was his choice to try to break into pro ball as a hitter despite a strong arm that some scouts preferred. Now 26, he's still young enough to seriously consider it with his prime years still in front of him.