Detroit Tigers: Matt Manning Shines in Lakeland Debut

West Michigan Whitecaps

The Whitecaps snapped a five-game losing skid earlier in the week, and are currently riding a three-game winning streak. West Michigan’s 8-7 second half record has them in a tie for fourth in the Midwest League Eastern Division. Their overall record stands at 44-41.

Hernandez Promoted

Like Troy Montgomery, Wilkel Hernandez came over from the Angels in the Ian Kinsler trade. Hernandez began his year with Connecticut, making a pair of starts before joining the Whitecaps.

The 19-year old made his debut for West Michigan this week, starting on Monday. Hernandez lasted three and two-thirds, surrendering two runs on five hits, walking five, and striking out one. The five free passes marked a career-high for Hernandez, another high-strikeout, high-walk arm in a Detroit Tigers system seemingly full of them.

Bass Bounces Back

After yielding five earned runs in back-to-back outings, Brad Bass responded with a strong outing this week. Last year’s seventh rounder gave up one run over seven innings, adding seven strikeouts without issuing a free pass.

After a solid pro debut for Connecticut in 2017, Bass has been up and down this year. Through 12 starts, he owns a 5.17 ERA, and opponents are hitting .292 against him. In five of his starts, he’s allowed two earned runs or fewer. Bass has also given up five earned runs or more in four of his outings. The Tigers hope the former Notre Dame righty can find some more consistency over the season’s final few months.

Deatherage Destruction Continues

A few weeks back, Brock Deatherage blasted his way into Detroit Tigers fans’ consciousness. After a two-game stint with Tigers West in the GCL, he jumped up to West Michigan.

Since the promotion, Deatherage has continued to wreck opposing pitching. In 12 games for the Whitecaps, this year’s 10th round pick boasts a .372 average, and has added 11 runs, six extra-base hits, and six steals in seven attempts. Granted it’s a small sample size, but in 14 pro games Deatherage has posted an incredible .404/.467/.846 slash line.

Clemens Debuts

Another 2018 selection made his pro debut this week, as third rounder Kody Clemens joined West Michigan. It’s been a slower start for Clemens, who went hitless in his first eight at-bats.

He broke out on Wednesday, launching his first two professional home runs. Clemens’ average stands at .174 through six games. A candidate for the Detroit Tigers second baseman of the future, his development will be a very interesting case to follow over the next few years.