LAKELAND, Fla. – The Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals have recently discussed a trade that would send infielder/outfielder Ryan Raburn to St. Louis, according to one person in the industry with knowledge of the talks.

Raburn has been battling for one of the final spots on Detroit’s Opening Day roster, but left-handed-hitting prospect Jeff Larish may have moved ahead of him in the competition. The Tigers can send Raburn to Triple-A Toledo without putting him through waivers – he has one minor league option remaining – but they may prefer to trade him for a pitching prospect.

Raburn, who turns 28 this month, has played five different positions in the majors – all three in the outfield, in addition to second and third base – and it’s been said that his versatility would make him an ideal player for the National League.

Raburn, a .255 hitter in 153 major league games, is generally regarded as a better defender in the outfield than the infield. Detroit manager Jim Leyland has also said in the past that he could be an emergency catcher.