Detroit Tigers: Three More Minor League Players Who Can Help

Matt Boyd

The Tigers previously used Boyd earlier in the season. The left-handed pitcher ate some innings in relief, tossing 4.2 shutout innings while striking out a pair. He allowed three hits and two walks.

Boyd was so effective in his lone appearance this season that only Jordan Zimmermann and Kyle Ryan have higher WAR numbers this season where pitchers are concerned.

However, he hasn’t been called upon since, as the team has opted to promote fellow young pitchers like Michael Fulmer and Daniel Norris instead.

These moves have kept Boyd in Triple-A, but despite staying in the minors, the pitcher has been dominant.

The former Toronto farmhand has been dominant. In six starts he’s posted a 1.80 ERA. During his six starts, the lefty has totaled 35 innings. In those innings, he has only allowed 10 walks and one home run. Boyd has 27 strikeouts.

In terms of a potential fit, it is easy to see the 25-year-old slotting in as either a starter or a reliever. Should any one of Pelfrey, Sanchez or Greene struggle, Boyd could make a spot start. Additionally, if Fulmer or Norris’ innings need to be limited, then Boyd could step in there as well.

As for pitching in relief, we’ve seen already that the left-hander can soak up innings in relief. He could provide a lot of value for the Tigers.

Bobby Parnell

One of the last relievers in camp not to make the roster out of Spring Training, Bobby Parnell could be of great use to the Detroit bullpen.

The eight-year veteran looked solid early in the spring before running into a few dicey outings.

So far in Triple-A, the reliever has been a dependable bullpen option for Lloyd McClendon’s team. Parnell owns a 3.00 in 12 innings pitched with the Mud Hens. He’s finished five games, saving three of them. What’s more, the former Met has notched 11 strikeouts.

A roster move would be required considering Parnell isn’t on the 40-man roster, but he could be worth designating a player for assignment.

From 2010 to 2013, the 31-year-old was one of baseball’s premier late-inning arms.  The right-handed reliever compiled a 2.79 ERA (2.78 FIP) with 202 strikeouts in 213 innings pitched.

Parnell also has experience serving as a closer. He saved six games in 2010 and seven in 2012. The 2013 season saw the former New York pitcher save 22 contests.

That kind of experience could be useful for the Tigers if someone like Francisco Rodriguez or Mark Lowe struggles. Either way, it never hurts to have another option towards the back end of the bullpen.

JaCoby Jones

Coming off of a suspension that has kept him out of action this season, JaCoby Jones will likely log some at-bats with Triple-A Toledo before the Tigers even consider calling him up.

That being said, there is a lot to like about Jones’ game.

An excellent athlete, the former Pittsburgh prospect could end up at any position on the diamond—or in a utility role.

Unlike most utility players, Jones can do some serious damage at the plate.

In 117 games at the Single-A level in 2014, the 24-year-old crushed three triples, 21 doubles and 23 home runs. He also plated 70 runs while stealing 17 bases and hitting .288. Following that, Jones continued to thrive in 2015.

He continued to stuff the stat sheet during the 2015 season. Splitting the year between two levels, Advanced Single-A and Double-A, Jones hit .257, but drove in 80 runs and stole 25 bases. He also added five triples, 25 doubles and 16 home runs.

He could be a Ben Zobrist-type player for Detroit.

Next: Should Al Avila be on High Alert?

Not only would Jones be able to play multiple positions, he’d also add some pop to a Detroit Tigers bench that (at least in terms of offense) has failed to produce.