Detroit Tigers News: Riley Greene promoted in a flurry of roster moves

This past Thursday was a rather eventful day for the Detroit Tigers, supplying both good and bad news. While Tigers fans are becoming more and more accustomed to depressing updates on the team at this point, there is a bit of yin to the yang in this case.

Riley Greene and John Schreiber promoted

Riley Greene, the Tigers’ first-round pick of the 2019 amateur draft and fifth selection overall, has been promoted to Low-A West Michigan Whitecaps. He is the first Tigers high school draftee to reach Low-A in his draft year since the unforgettable Keith Smith did so back in 1994. Currently ranked third on just about every prospect list, he broke out Thursday night with an inside-the-park home run and a spectacular defensive play.

Meanwhile John Schreiber, he of the funky super low-three-quarters arm slot, finally got his call up to the big show. The hometown kid originally selected in the 15th round of the 2016 draft finally gets the chance to live his dreams. While he has not yet pitched for the big league team as of Friday morning, fans have been champing at the bit to see the sidearmer baffle hitters with his unorthodox delivery.

PED suspensions

Now for the bad news: two Tigers farm hands have been suspended for testing positive for a performance enhancing drug. First baseman Reynaldo Rivera, the Tigers’ second round pick of the 2017 draft considered by most to be a bust, was caught using Trenbolone, an anabolic steroid long favored by the bodybuilding community in his latest test. The result cost him an 80-game suspension and quite possibly his career.

The other player who tested positive was shortstop Pavin Parks of the Gulf Coast League Tigers, who also had the same drug as Rivera in his system and received a 50-game suspension for his infraction. Interestingly, the pair are the first to test positive for this specific chemical since 2015. Positive tests for two players from other teams were announced as well, albeit it for different drugs.

Transaction Jackson time

It looks like it’s Edwin Jackson time in Detroit again, as the well-traveled veteran got his call up back to the big leagues and will start on Friday night against the Kansas City Royals. Blaine Hardy was unfortunately optioned to make room for him. Desperate for arms to eat innings with, hopefully Jackson can help the Tigers get through the last two months without burning through too many more pitchers.

Around the horn

Saving Hamtramck Stadium: A Negro League ballpark, a changing community and a fight to reclaim history. The Red Sox are toast according to FiveThirtyEight. Juan Soto could be the next Miguel Cabrera. Free agent watch from Baseball Prospectus. No, Millenials are not killing baseball. White Sox and Yankees will play in a “Field of Dreams” game in 2020. Khris Davis is not batting .247.

Baseball is awesome: Riley Greene edition