Detroit Tigers: Current Toledo Mud Hens who could make an impact

Detroit Tigers Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens, currently field a number of players who could make an impact in the Major Leagues this season. Here’s a look at said players.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila improved the team’s overall depth in the offseason, bringing in a number of players who could contribute if need be.

A number of those players have seen time in Triple-A, and have mixed with Detroit’s incumbent options to give the team some much-improved depth.

That depth has been key early, as outfielder Jim Adduci (0.7 WAR, 143 wRC+ and a .381 wOBA) John Hicks (0.4 WAR, seven RBI, six runs scored and four extra-base hits in seven games)

On the pitching side of things, relievers Blaine Hardy (3.46 SIERA, 8.18 strikeouts per nine innings) and Chad Bell (zero runs allowed in his first 6.2 Major League frames) have both provided the Tigers with quality innings.

As the season progresses, Detroit will have to rely on the team’s minor league depth more. Injuries and inconsistency are commonplace in a Major League Baseball season.

Here are some current Toledo Mud Hens who could make an impact with the Detroit Tigers during the 2017 regular season.

Buck Farmer
Age: 26
Position: Starting Pitcher
Throws: Right-Handed

Already on Detroit’s 40-man roster, Buck Farmer could provide the team with a spot start or two if the need arises.

The right-hander seems to be figuring things out in Triple-A, with 47 strikeouts compared to just nine walks in 48.2 frames. Farmer has also logged a 3.51 ERA in eight starts.

If he doesn’t work as a starter, it is possible the right-hander could work in a similar role to Bell as a long-relief arm.

Bruce Rondon
Age: 26
Position: Relief Pitcher
Throws: Right-Handed

A mainstay in the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen down the stretch last season, Rondon struggled initially in 2017. He surrendered six runs, four hits and three walks in just 1.1 innings.

All told, that spits out to a 40.50 ERA.

The flame-throwing reliever has found success in Toledo, notching a 0.82 ERA and 12 punch outs in 11 innings. His nine walks over the same span are somewhat concerning, but it is good to see Rondon missing bats and posting zeroes again.

If he can pitch like the Bruce Rondon who thrived in 2016 (11.15 strikeouts per nine innings, 0.963 WHIP and a 2.95 SIERA), Detroit’s bullpen will be in excellent shape.

Victor Alcantara
Age: 24
Position: Relief Pitcher
Throws: Right-Handed

The prospect acquired from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Cameron Maybin, Victor Alcantara hit the ground running in 2017.

A hard-throwing former starter, Alcantara moved to the bullpen full-time this season and found considerable success.

In 23 innings for Double-A Erie, the right-hander punched out 19 batters. He also is the proud owner of an excellent 1.96 ERA.

Alcantara’s 23 innings have come over the course of 11 appearances, so there’s potential for him to throw multiple frames per outing on a consistent basis.

That kind of reliever would certainly help Detroit’s bullpen fresh over the course of a season.

Alcantara was just promoted and hasn’t thrown a pitch yet for Toledo, but if he can miss bats and limit runs like he did in the Eastern League, he’ll have a chance to make an impact.

Daniel Stumpf
Age: 26
Position: Relief Pitcher
Throws: Left-Handed

If Justin Wilson continues to close games, the Detroit Tigers will need another left-handed relief option to pitch before the ninth.

With Chad Bell better suited for long relief and Kyle Ryan struggling, that left-handed relief option could be Daniel Stumpf.

The former Rule 5 draft pick has pitched to a 1.159 WHIP and a 3.07 ERA in 18 appearances (14.2 innings) for Toledo. He also has 17 strikeouts compared to just five walks.

Mike Zagurski
Age: 34
Position: Relief Pitcher
Throws: Left-Handed

If Detroit needs another left-hander out of the bullpen, Mike Zagurski could be a fit.

He isn’t on the 40-man roster, and isn’t a long-term fit given he’s already 34, but Zagurski’s strikeout numbers are worth pointing out.

In seven innings with Double-A Erie, the veteran has punched out 15.4 batters per nine frames. That number goes up to 16 punch outs per nine innings in his nine frames of work with Toledo.

If the former Diamondback can continue to miss bats at that rate for an extended stretch, he could be worth a flier for the Detroit Tigers.

Detroit needs more bullpen depth, with just five dependable relievers currently on the roster. Zagurski could potentially provide added depth.

Arcenio Leon
Age: 30
Position: Relief Pitcher
Throws: Right-Handed

One of the team’s standouts in Spring Training, the hard-throwing Leon hasn’t wasted any time in recording outs in the minors.

The right-hander owns a sparkling 1.06 ERA in 17 innings as Toledo’s closer. In that role, the veteran has already notched nine saves.

Next: Tigers prospects off to strong starts

Leon isn’t on the 40-man roster, but Detroit could make room by designating a pitcher like Anibal Sanchez, Drew VerHagen or William Cuevas for assignment.