Detroit Tigers Minor League Report: Week 8

The Detroit Tigers are in rebuilding mode. “Future Friday” is a segment where we examine the bevy of prospects in the organization and their future impact in the Motor City.

As has been the case most weeks, the pitching outshone the hitting this week in the Detroit Tigers organization. We start, however, with what was the worst pitching performance of the week.

Toledo Mud Hens

The Mud Hens went 3-4 for the week, bringing their record to 33-19. Despite their down week, Toledo still has a comfortable lead in the International League West Division.

Zimmerman Knocked Around

Jordan Zimmermann made a rehab start on Sunday for Toledo and things did not go well. The veteran righty lasted two-thirds of an inning, giving up seven runs on seven hits, and issuing a pair of walks. Zimmermann’s next outing will be a simulated game today.

Speaking of injured pitchers, Francisco Liriano and Daniel Stumpf were placed on the disabled list this week. To replace that pair, the Tigers recalled Ryan Carpenter and Johnny Barbato from Toledo.

Carpenter started for Detroit Thursday against the Angels and pitched well. Unfortunately, he had to leave after four innings due to injury, and is headed for the DL, too.

Barbato has been very good coming out of the Mud Hens bullpen this season. In 12 appearances, he sported a 1.72 ERA and has struck out more than a batter per inning. He has not translated that success to Detroit yet. In three appearances for the Tigers earlier this year, Barbato posted a 7.36 ERA.

With Carpenter recalled to start for the Tigers, Toledo needed someone to start in his place Thursday. Spenser Watkins was promoted from Lakeland and pitched extremely well on short rest. The righty fired five scoreless frames, yielding just one hit. This is the second time Watkins has made a spot start for the Mud Hens, having also done so on May 5.

Rodriguez Gets the Call

Ronny Rodriguez was called up Thursday to replace Grayson Greiner, who was sent back down. In his final game for Toledo Wednesday night, Rodriguez went out with a bang. He went 5-for-6, hit for the cycle, launched a pair of homers, and drove in five.

Thursday, Rodriguez made his Major League debut, starting at second base. He singled in his first at-bat and went 2-for-4 for the afternoon. Like Niko Goodrum, Rodriguez has played all over the diamond in the minors. If he keeps hitting the way he has been lately, he may be more than just an occasional fill-in.