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Detroit Tigers: Spencer Turnbull, Jake Rogers highlight week

By Rob Low

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 06: A detail of a Detroit Tigers hat and glove are seen during warm ups against the New York Yankees during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 6, 2011 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 06: A detail of a Detroit Tigers hat and glove are seen during warm ups against the New York Yankees during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 6, 2011 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 30: Jordan Zimmermann #27 of the Detroit Tigers throws a first inning pitch while playing the Pittsburgh Pirates during Opening Day at Comerica Park on March 30, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 30: Jordan Zimmermann #27 of the Detroit Tigers throws a first inning pitch while playing the Pittsburgh Pirates during Opening Day at Comerica Park on March 30, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

West Michigan Whitecaps

The Whitecaps suffered through a 2-6 week, dropping them back below .500 to 33-34. West Michigan’s slide eliminated them from contention for a playoff spot in the Midwest League Eastern Division’s first half race.

Zimmermann on the Mend

Jordan Zimmermann made another rehab start this week, this time suiting up for West Michigan. The veteran righty tossed five and one-third innings, allowing one run on seven hits, with no walks and six strikeouts.

Zimmermann threw 89 pitches, the most he’s thrown in any of his three rehab starts. Following the outing, it seems Zimmermann is set to return to the Tigers rotation, possibly as soon as this weekend.

Manning Update

Matt Manning earned his third quality start of the season this week, yielding three runs over six innings. The strikeout machine added six more K’s to his total, and issued three free passes.

With each passing start, it seems to be more of the same for the former first rounder. Manning has fanned at least one batter per inning in each of his nine starts, for a rate of 13.4/9. On the other hand, he continues to have walk issues. Manning has walked three or more in six of his nine starts, and has walked a career-high 5.8 per nine innings.

Manning’s other numbers are still solid. Opponents have hit .235 against him, and he’s allowed just three long balls in 2018. Overall, his ERA sits at 4.32 through 41.2 innings of work.

Bortles’ Hot Month

Since the calendar flipped to June, Colby Bortles has been red-hot. The Whitecaps third baseman has hit safely in 11 of 14 games for the month, during which he’s hitting .333. Bortles’ five doubles increased his total to 15, which is tied for the team lead.

The younger brother of Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles, Colby continues to drive in runs for the Whitecaps, too. He drove in eight this week alone, giving him nine for the month. The nine raised his season total to 33, lifting him past Dylan Rosa and Rey Rivera for tops on the club.

Short-Season/Rookie Leagues Starting

Today marks Opening Day for the Short-Season Connecticut Tigers of the New York-Penn League. Headlining the roster are righty Wilkel Hernandez, shortstop Jose King, and catcher Sam McMillan. The Tigers acquired Hernandez and King in the Ian Kinsler and J.D. Martinez trades, respectively. Detroit selected McMillan with their fifth round pick a year ago. The Detroit Tigers two Gulf Coast League affiliates begin play on Monday.

Next: Top 10 Tigers Catchers of All-Time

That wraps up another week of the Detroit Tigers Minor League Report. Make sure to check back each Friday for the latest news and updates from around the system.

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