Detroit Tigers: Al Avila’s under-the-radar additions are paying off

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DETROIT, MI – JUNE 3: Alex Presley #14 of the Detroit Tigers singles and is congratulated by first base coach Omar Vizquel #13 during the fourth inning of the game against the Chicago White Sox on June 3, 2017 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Jim Adduci

Earlier this season, Jim Adduci stepped in to fill in for J.D. Martinez when the slugger was injured.

Now, with Martinez in the desert, Adduci is being counted on once again to see time in right field.

In the early goings of the season, and as of late, the 32-year-old has been productive.

Adduci has turned in a 127 wRC+, a .362 wOBA and an .845 OPS in 53 plate appearances this season.

The outfielder, who wasn’t even invited to Major League Spring Training after signing a minor league deal, has also chipped in with eight runs scored, seven RBI and six extra-base hits.

It will certainly be interesting to see what the veteran can do with more consistent at-bats down the stretch.

Alex Presley

Rounding out the list is Alex Presley, who brings a different element to the Detroit Tigers.

Detroit hasn’t exactly been a base-running juggernaut in years past.

Of course, this happens when players like Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, J.D. Martinez and Prince Fielder are or have been on the team’s payroll.

However, Presley has given the team an added base-running threat.

In 30 games this season, he’s swiped three bases and logged a 1.2 BsR.

The stats rank fifth and fourth among Detroit base runners this season, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Presley lead the team in both categories as the season progresses.

Inked to a minors deal after seeing action with the club in three games in 2016, Presley outlasted the likes of Gose, Collins, Moya and Matt den Dekker in the Motor City.

He’s hitting .329 with a .380 on-base percentage, a .435 slugging percentage, a .815 OPS and a 122 wRC_ in 93 plate appearances.

The veteran has also accumulated a .355 wOBA and a .106 ISO.

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While he isn’t controllable long-term given his past big league experience with the Pirates and Astros, Presley is controllable (per Spotrac) through 2018 via arbitration.

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