Peralta getting in work in left field

DETROIT -- Shortstop Jhonny Peralta, who is nearing the end of his 50-game suspension, has been fielding balls in left field during early work prior to a few games this week.

The Tigers haven't announced whether Peralta will return to the team once his suspension ends, but he will likely report to the instructional league at the Tigers' Spring Training facility in Lakeland, Fla., at some point in the near future. Workouts there begin on Sept. 19, with games beginning Sept. 23.

For now, Peralta is allowed to work out with the Tigers until the gates open, and then he can watch the game from the clubhouse.

"He hits and works out with [outfield coach Tom Brookens]," manager Jim Leyland said. "He's doing OK. You can't really simulate game stuff."

With no Minor League affiliates playing, the Tigers might have Peralta play the position during an early batting practice so that he can learn to read the flight of the ball off the bat.

"We know he can catch a fly ball," Leyland said. "But getting it off the bat with the ball sinking, sailing or carrying over your head or something, you never know how that's going to work."

Peralta's suspension will end just before the final regular-season series, which is in Miami from Sept. 27-29.