Detroit Tigers Minor League Report: Week 1

Erie SeaWolves

The SeaWolves started 3-0, but have now lost four straight under new manager Andrew Graham. Erie’s great start was due in large part to the starting pitching. Beau Burrows, Sandy Baez, and Spencer Turnbull each turned in strong outings in their first starts of 2018.

On Opening Night, Burrows dealt five scoreless frames, allowed one hit, and struck out six. The next night, Baez did not yield a run over four and two-thirds, and fanned 10. Turnbull then allowed one run over four and two-thirds, while striking out seven.

Offensively, Erie has been led by shortstop Sergio Alcantara. Alcantara came to Detroit as part of the deal that sent J.D. Martinez to Arizona. In the first two Double-A games of his career, Alcantara went 5-for-7.

The 21-year old leads the SeaWolves in average (.385), hits (10), and RBIs (six). Not bad production for a guy who has started six of seven games in the nine slot. On the down side, Erie has eight errors already, and Alcantara made three of them.

James McCann’s former college teammate Dominic Ficociello has also had a good start at the plate. Ficociello has hit safely in all seven games and is hitting .346.

Jake Rogers drove in three in the SeaWolves first two games, but had a rough week after that. One of the prizes in the Justin Verlander deal, Rogers is hitting .208, with zero extra-base hits. He’s also already had two passed balls. Not exactly what you’re looking for from one of the best catching prospects in the minors.

Good luck to the SeaWolves in their home opener tonight against Altoona at UPMC Park!