Detroit Tigers Top prospects off to strong starts in 2017

Bryan Garcia
Age: 22
Position: Relief Pitcher
Affiliate: Single-A West Michigan
2017 Stat of Note: 16.9 strikeouts per nine innings

Bryan Garcia was the first pitcher taken by the Tigers after Matt Manning and Funkhouser in last year’s draft.

So far, the hard-throwing right-hander has lived up to the billing of a high draft pick.

Working predominantly as West Michigan’s closer, Garcia has tossed 13.1 innings, striking out 25 of the 56 batters he’s faced. With just 12 hits and four walks allowed, the University of Miami product looks like a future bullpen piece for the Detroit Tigers.

Victor Alcantara
Age: 24
Position: Relief Pitcher
Affiliate: Double-Erie
2017 Stat of Note: 3.7 walks per nine innings

Detroit’s return in the Cameron Maybin deal, Alcantara hasn’t had the best control in the majors.

The flame thrower has allowed 4.4 walks per nine innings since making his minors debut in 2012. That stretch included 4.6 free passes per nine frames in 111 innings last season.

So far in 2017, Alcantara has surrendered just nine walks in 22 relief innings.

Next: Tigers winners & losers so far in 2017

The switch to the bullpen seems to be working for the former Anaheim prospect, who owns a 2.05 ERA, seven strikeouts per nine innings and a save in 10 appearances.