The Detroit Tigers have recalled infielder Spencer Torkelson. He played 58 games in Triple-A- Toledo, hitting .239 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs. Torkelson is also a former number-one overall pick. If Torkelson can continue to ride his offense, it would help but be a challenge. The Tigers are currently 8.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and would need to hustle for what’s left of the regular season.
Tigers To Promote Spencer Torkelson https://t.co/lY7lXG9mgo pic.twitter.com/EwyXMUy5jo
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) August 17, 2024
Tigers Recall Infielder Continuance of Youth Boosted
Tigers Youth
Aside from their asset players like Jack Flaherty, the Tigers have kept an open mind with their young players for down the stretch. This includes Parker Meadows, Justyn Henry-Malloy, and Wenceel Perez. Malloy has good plate discipline but needs to work on his strikeout rate. Meadows has speed and is a solid outfielder. Lastly, Perez is a switch-hitter who showed offensive power early in the season. Detroit’s president of baseball operations, Scott Harris, has also had to turn to this approach with all the injuries that have surfaced. With Torkelson getting called up, Bligh Madris was sent down to Triple-A. But has his time in the minors been enough to revamp the areas where he was struggling? But Torkelson being called up could also be a way for them to assess how he will perform and his role with the team past this season.
The Tigers recently designated veteran Gio Urshela for assignment, heightening their approach to amplify their young players. By designating Urshela, they could call up prospects Jace Jung and Trey Sweeney. Giving them the green light to make their debut in the majors. Sweeney already earned his first MLB hit in his debut. They are both planning to get consistent playing time down this stretch. They also want to utilize their young talent, similar to what the Toronto Blue Jays have done, for example, with Will Wagner and Leo Jimenez.
Both have performed well, providing the Blue Jays with needed offense. Time tell how this approach unfolds for the Tigers in the late stretch of this season. However, it will also be significant in identifying roles for the 2025 season. Many will be playing for roster spots next season. The Tigers are 8.5 games behind the Royals in fourth place in the American League Central. This is why they should look ahead to this season, as only about 40 games, give or take, are left to play.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
