Detroit Tigers top 20 prospects following 2017 MLB Draft

#9 starting pitcher Sandy Baez

Current minor league affiliate: Advanced-A Lakeland Flying Tigers

Sandy Baez didn’t get off to the best start with Lakeland this season, allowing 41 hits, 23 runs, nine walks and three home runs in his first seven starts (26.2 innings). He punched out 16 batters over the same span.

However, the flame-throwing starter has been remarkably better after the calendar turned to June.

In 23.2 frames spread over four starts, Baez has allowed just 12 hits, nine walks and four runs. He’s also upped his strikeouts, with 35 in his last four outings.

If the right-hander can continue to pitch at that level, he’ll continue to move through the Detroit Tigers minor league system.

#8 starting pitcher Tyler Alexander

Current minor league affiliate: Double-A Erie SeaWolves

We return to the Erie SeaWolves pitching staff with left-handed starter Tyler Alexander.

A second-round pick in 2015, Alexander doesn’t blow hitters away with his fastball, but he does have four solid pitches to work with.

Alexander owns a 5.13 ERA with Erie in 66.2 innings this year, but much of that has to do with home runs.

The southpaw has surrendered 12 long balls this year after giving up just 14 in his first two professional seasons.

However, with a lifetime 2.96 ERA in the minors and the ability to limit damage (1.108 WHIP) He looks like a future rotation piece in Detroit.