Maybin heading back to Tigers in deal for 2 left-handers

DETROIT (AP) - Cameron Maybin was once a prospect for the Detroit Tigers, with enough potential that they were able to trade him in the deal that brought Miguel Cabrera to Motown.

Now Maybin is coming back to Detroit.

The Tigers acquired the outfielder from the Atlanta Braves on Friday for left-handers Ian Krol and Gabe Speier.

"Cameron Maybin is a good outfielder with plenty of experience in center field," Detroit general manager Al Avila said. "He is coming off of a solid offensive season in 2015 and brings speed and athleticism to our club."

The Tigers took Maybin with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 draft, one spot ahead of Andrew McCutchen. Maybin made his major league debut for Detroit in 2007 before being traded to the Marlins.

He never became a star, but he's still only 28. Maybin hit .267 with 10 homers, 59 RBIs and 23 steals for the Braves this year. Avila says manager Brad Ausmus will determine Maybin's role during spring training.

Anthony Gose was Detroit's primary starter in center field last season, but the team could use some help in left after trading Yoenis Cespedes at the end of July.

Krol made 33 relief appearances for the Tigers in 2015, going 2-3 with a 5.79 ERA. Speier pitched in 33 games this year for Class A West Michigan, going 4-2 with a 2.86 ERA.