Detroit Tigers: Recent Draft Picks Excelling in Minors

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Sep 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; General view of the right field lights that went out prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

A Pair of Relievers

Mark Ecker

Taken in the fifth round of the 2016 draft, the 21-year-old Ecker could be the first of the Tigers draft picks to crack the Major League roster. Armed with a mid-90s fastball and solid off-speed offerings, Ecker has already progressed to Western Michigan this season.

He’s done nothing but dominate since being drafted.

In 27.innings split between Connecticut and Western Michigan, Ecker has allowed just 16 hits, five runs, five walks and a home run. That spits out to a 0.76 whip, a 0.98 ERA and a .163 batting average against. He’s also struck out 31 while tallying nine saves.

It isn’t hard to imagine Ecker slotting in alongside the likes of Joe Jimenez, Paul Voelker, Bruce Rondon, Drew Smith and Adam Ravenelle in the future Detroit bullpen.

Bryan Garcia

Another pitcher sent straight to the New York Penn league, Bryan Garcia excelled at the level. The Miami product struck out 21 batters in 18 innings while holding opposing batters to a .194 batting average. He also posted a 0.89 WHIP and six saves.

The right-hander already earned a promotion to Western Michigan, where he made just one appearance. Garcia was tagged for three runs and three hits in just 0.2 innings pitched.

It was likely just an off day for the reliever, but the fact that he’s already earned a promotion to Western Michigan is a definite positive moving forward.

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