Detroit Tigers: Jacoby Jones the new spark-plug

On May 2nd, Detroit Tigers first baseman John Hicks had a bunt single scoring Jacoby Jones from third base to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2.

It is becoming a regular thing for Detroit Tigers outfielder JaCoby Jones to be in the right place at the right time. In 2013, Jones was drafted in the third round by the Pittsburgh Pirates. After playing for a short stint in 2013, his season was cut short due to injury.

After hitting 23 home runs as a shortstop in 2014, he was ultimately promoted to AA ball and subsequently traded to Detroit  on July 30, 2015. The Tigers acquired Jones in exchange for relief pitcher Joakim Soria.

Jones immediately sparked the interest of the Detroit Tigers in only his third game in the organization. Playing for the Erie SeaWolves,  Jones went 3-for-4 with three home runs and five RBIs.

He finished the 2015 season with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 37 games.

Jones began the 2016 season with the Toledo Mud Hens.  But was promoted to the major league club on August 30, 2016.

Big Leagues

Jones immediately raised eyebrows with his offensive and defensive skills. In his first two games with the Tigers, Jones went 4 for 8 and scored the game winning run in the bottom of the ninth on August 31st.

Although Jones was brought up as a shortstop, the Detroit Tigers moved him to the outfield. His natural speed made him the perfect center fielder. Few fly balls escaped Jones’ glove in Comerica Park.

In the Spring of 2017, Detroit Tiger Hall of Famer Al Kaline described Jones as the best outfielder we have…”(as a) runner, thrower, getting a jump on the ball”.

After being named to the opening day roster, Jones hit a home run in his first at bat of the season. Not since Kirk Gibson in 1980, had a rookie hit a home run on opening day.

But disaster struck on April 22, 2017 when Jones was hit in the face by a pitch. He was immediately placed on the DL and assigned to Toledo.

Jones was once again called up by the Tigers in August of 2017.  He immediately sparked fan excitement when he hit two home runs in a game against the Kansas City Royals on September 5.

After the conclusion of the 2017 season, Jones spent the offseason honing his offensive skills. His hard work paid off when he hit .400 and had a OBP of .500 in spring training. While early speculation had Jones starting the year in Toledo, his play earned him a spot on the opening day roster.

2018

Jones began the season as a bench player. However, with the slow start of Mikie Mahtook, Jones found an everyday position in left field. He has never looked back.

While Jones is currently hitting .257 with a OBP of .321, he seems to be hitting at just the right time.  On his three hit day, Jones hit a 12th inning triple that ultimately was the winning run in the Tigers win over the Rays.

Next: The new Tiger Ace

The run not only won the game but led the team to another series win. Another spark for Jacoby Jones and for the Detroit Tigers.