Detroit Tigers Promote Eugenio Suarez to AAA in Possible Reaction to Stephen Drew Signing with Red Sox

Yesterday came the slightly surprising but not altogether shocking news that the Boston Red Sox had signed shortstop Stephen Drew to help solidify their thus-far lackluster infield. The news came as a blow to Detroit Tigers fans who had hoped the club (i.e. Detroit) would be able to sign the free agent after the June Draft (and thereby not forfeit their first round pick as compensation) to fill their own shortstop void.

The Tigers remained mum on whether or not Drew was actually in their plan for the season’s second half, but they made a same-day minor league roster transaction that may or may not have been coincidental in its timing.

Eugenio Suarez is the team’s top shortstop prospect, and he’s been hitting well in AA so far this season (.284/.347/.503 with 6 HR). Maybe it was time to promote him anyway — to get him used hitting against pitchers who are closer to the major leagues or get him away from Erie’s more home run-friendly ballpark — or maybe the Tigers now realize that they’re going to need to look at non-Drew options for shortstop later this year. When it comes to internal options, Suarez is really all there is.

With Andrew Romine struggling mightily at the plate (he’s hitting .154/.175/.154 this month), and Danny Worth being no one’s idea of an everyday shortstop, the Tigers may be preparing to to give the 22-year old prospect a look in the major leagues.

Steamer currently projects an MLB slash line of .237/.289/.340 for Suarez

If Suarez does indeed get the call sometime this season, he shouldn’t be expected to be an automatic offensive force, but he has been an above average hitter in his minor league career and carries above average power for the position. Steamer currently projects an MLB slash line of .237/.289/.340 for Suarez which isn’t great, but it is better than what either Romine or Worth have posted with the Tigers this season.