Kyle Funkhouser, Matt Hall promoted to Triple-A

Connecticut Tigers

The Connecticut Tigers won four of their six games this week to bring their record to 12-14. Connecticut sits in a tie for third in the New York-Penn League Stedler Division.

Swapping Spots

Former catcher Arvicent Perez made his first three professional appearances on the mound this week for Connecticut. The righty twirled three scoreless frames without allowing a hit, struck out two and walked two.

Perez began his season as a catcher with Erie. He hit .256 in 11 games with the SeaWolves before heading back to extended spring training to begin his transition. Perez had been a catcher in the Detroit Tigers organization since 2012.

Pair of 2018 Draftees Promoted

First baseman Nick Ames and right-hander Chance Kirby both earned promotions to Connecticut this week after starting with GCL Tigers West. A 15th rounder out of UNLV, Ames put together a ridiculous three-game stretch from July 4-7.

Ames started with a two-homer, four-RBI game on July 4. In his next game, he hit a grand slam and drove in five. He launched two more homers in his final game in the GCL, plating five more runs in the contest.

The Tigers promoted him to Connecticut following that red-hot three-game run. In three games since his call-up, Ames is 4-for-12, including another long ball.

Kirby also started strong with Tigers West, yielding just one run over 12.2 innings in three outings. He also struck out 15, while walking three. The 25th rounder dominated in his debut for Connecticut on Wednesday, surrendering a lone hit in six shutout frames, and adding 12 strikeouts.

GCL Tigers

Tigers West turned in a 4-3 week, bringing their season record to 12-7. They remain in first place in the Gulf Coast League Northwest Division. Tigers East went 2-4 for the week, bringing them to 10-10 for the campaign. They sit in second place in the Gulf Coast League Northeast.

Stewart’s Rehab

Christin Stewart returned to action this week, starting with a three-game stint in the Gulf Coast League. The powerful outfielder appeared for both Detroit Tigers Golf Coast League affiliates, going 2-for-9 with a pair of home runs.

Stewart rejoined Toledo’s lineup Thursday, their first game after the Triple-A All-Star break. In his return, Stewart hit third and went 0-for-5.

Smoking Hot Shortstop

Tigers West shortstop Wenceel Perez caught fire this week. The 18-year old recorded three multi-hit games for the week, going 12-for-27 (.444) in seven games.

Perez launched his first two professional homers in a five-hit effort on Tuesday, then followed that up by going 4-for-4 with four runs scored and a pair of RBIs on Wednesday. In 18 games this year, he’s slashing .356/.447/.521. Last year in the Dominican Summer League, he posted a .314 average, in what was his first season as a pro.

Next: Exploring Trade Possiblities for Jose Iglesias

That concludes 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 Detroit Tigers system.