Detroit Tigers: Players Who Could Be Called Up When Rosters Expand

Position Players

Dixon Machado

A slick-fielding shortstop, Machado has seen action with the Tigers in parts of the last two seasons. A .263 hitter at the Triple-A level, he provides a similar skillset to Jose Iglesias.

With Mike Aviles gone, Machado gives Detroit more depth up the middle. The shortstop hit .111 with a walk and a run in a recent four-game stint with the team.

Steven Moya

Another player who’s been with the Tigers a number of times this season, Moya could make a serious impact off the bench. Detroit’s bench situation isn’t as dire as it once was, with Tyler Collins and Erick Aybar joining Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Andrew Romine as key reserves. However, Moya could provide useful in pinch-hitting situations.

He collected 11 extra-base hits (five home runs, four doubles and two triples) in just 89 at-bats with the Tigers in 2016. Moya also has a tendency to strike out a good deal, but he has as much raw power as any player in the Majors.

John Hicks

A former fourth-round pick of the Mariners, Hicks has excelled since joining the Detroit organization.

The catcher hit a blistering .388 in 14 games with Double-A Erie before being promoted to Toledo. With the Mud Hens, the backstop is hitting .298 with 39 RBI, 36 runs scored, 19 doubles, eight home runs and three stolen bases.

Every team needs a third catcher down the stretch, and Hicks is already on the 40-man roster, so he’s a natural fit.

Anthony Gose

He’s struggled mightily this season, resulting in an extended stay in the minor leagues. However, the center fielder is hitting .302 in his last 10 games with Double-A Erie.

It’s a small sample size, but considering Gose’s .287 on-base percentage with the Tigers, the production can only be viewed as a positive. The outfielder could bring value purely as a pinch runner.