Despite the snow-out on Saturday and the off-day on Monday, there has been a lot of action in the Detroit Tigers organization recently. We will refrain from mentioning the 20-strikeout debacle on Sunday and focus on the positive; the club has a formidable pitching prospect pipeline that has been downright impressive in this past week.
We begin this journey with the Double-A squad, where the kids have been downright dominant.
No-hitters in Erie
The Tigers’ pitching prospects have been on fire of late. Between Casey Mize, Alex Faedo, and Matt Manning, there has been a lot to be excited about down on the farm. Mize made his Double-A debut on Monday and just happened to throw a no-hit Maddux for the Erie SeaWolves. But that is just a continuation of what he has been up to this entire month. He has only allowed two hits in his last three games — both infield singles — and has not allowed a hit to the outfield since April 9.
Casey Mize
— Detroit Tigers MiLB Tracker (@Tiger_Lifer) April 30, 2019
4/29 - No hitter
4/23 - 1-hitter, bunt single
4/17 - 1-hitter, infield single
Last hit to the OF, 4/9 in the 6th inning vs. Clearwater.
That's 76 straight batters faced without a hit to the OF. @erie_seawolves @tigers #MotorOn
Not only has Mize pitched extraordinarily well, but he has maintained composure and maturity far beyond his years in his budding professional career. Even his new teammate and battery partner Jake Rogers has nothing but great things to say about him. He is definitely someone for Tigers fans to be excited about, especially if he continues his torrid pace.
Lost a bit in Mize’s shadow is a stellar performance from prospect Alex Faedo last Wednesday, who combined with reliever Drew Carlton for a tandem no-hitter, also for the SeaWolves. For his efforts, Faedo was presented with the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week Award.
Christin Stewart rehabbing in Lakeland
Recently-graduated prospect Christin Stewart has begun his rehabilitation assignment in Lakeland. He has been out since April 18 due to a right quadriceps strain. Hopefully Stewart can get his health on track and his bat back in Detroit quickly, as the Tigers are suffering severely from a scarcity of offense.
Christin Stewart is headed to Class A Lakeland to begin a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment: https://t.co/0kycKvLBMV
— Anthony Fenech (@anthonyfenech) April 29, 2019
Matthew Boyd might be going places
Would the Tigers trade Matthew Boyd? That is the focus of this article from Ken Rosenthal (that is behind The Athletic’s paywall, unfortunately). Long story short, the Tigers are in a position of leverage, as there is no urgency to cash in his chips. However, after watching the value of another breakout pitcher in Michael Fulmer fall precipitously due to injuries, it may be prudent for the team to strike while the iron is hot.
Ross heads home, Reyes and Mercer come north
Mazel tov to Tyson Ross, who has been moved to the paternity list due to his impending bundle of joy. Victor Reyes was called up to take his spot on the 25-man roster; Jordy Mercer was activated from the 10-day injured list, replacing Dustin Peterson who was optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
The Tigers today have placed RHP Tyson Ross on the paternity list. A corresponding roster move will be announced later today. RHP Spencer Turnbull will now start tonight’s game, while LHP Daniel Norris will start tomorrow’s game.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) April 30, 2019
Harold Castro debuts in Detroit
Harold Castro heads to Detroit to get his first cup of coffee of the 2019 season with the big league team, taking Josh Harrison’s place on the active roster. Castro appeared in six games with the Tigers last year, batting .300 with three hits in 10 at-bats, two strikeouts and a stolen base.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Tigers have placed INF Josh Harrison on the 10-day IL, retroactive to April 27, with a left shoulder contusion. In a corresponding move, INF Harold Castro has been selected from Triple A Toledo. (1/2)
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) April 30, 2019
Road tripping
Boyz n the Hood director John Singleton passes away at age 51; you may recall Ice Cube prominently sporting the Olde English D ballcap in that seminal film. SB Nation sister site Purple Row hosts a baseball poetry contest for April’s National Poetry Month. A Babe Ruth rookie card was found in a used piano and went for $130,053 in auction. Cole Hamels rediscovers the art of pitching. The Atlantic League — Major League Baseball’s sandbox for testing out bad ideas — utilized the “no shift” rule for the first time.
Play of the midweek
Outside Derek Hill's #SCTop10 catch, there was another defensive gem that stood out to me during the no-no last night...
— Evan Giddings (@egiddings10) April 30, 2019
Jose Azocar has been making PLAYS this year, preserving Casey Mize's historic AA-debut with this sliding snag in the 5th. #RoadToDetroit
: @ENNJohnLydic pic.twitter.com/yRzG0sqs45