Alex Faedo, Beau Burrows turn in dominant outings

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.

It may be hard to believe, but there are only about six weeks left in the regular season for the Detroit Tigers affiliates. This week included a pair in the All-Star Futures Game, the debut of Toledo’s newest rotation additions, and players rehabbing at several different levels. Let’s get to it.

Toledo Mud Hens

The Mud Hens turned in a 3-4 week, bringing their season record to 53-43. Despite struggling a little as of late, Toledo remains atop the International League West.

Martin on the Mend

Leonys Martin began a rehab assignment with the Mud Hens this week as he works his way back from a hamstring injury. Martin played in three games for Toledo, picking up a hit in each. Overall, the outfielder has gone 3-for-10, with two runs scored and an RBI.

A return to Detroit for Martin would be a welcome sight for an offense which has hit .237 in July. JaCoby Jones has been particularly bad this month, hitting .190 as the primary center fielder. Sending him back to a reserve role and bringing back the leadoff hitter should help a little. However, when Martin does return, he may not stay in the Motor City for long.

Duo Makes Toledo Debut

Following the Double-A and Eastern League All-Star breaks, Kyle Funkhouser and Matt Hall were promoted from Erie to Toledo. Both made their debuts for the Mud Hens this week, turning in similar outings.

Hall took the mound first, pitching Sunday against Indianapolis (Pittsburgh). The lefty limited the Indians to three hits and two runs over five and a third innings, but struggled with control. He walked five, a new season-high, while striking out three. Expecting him to continue his red-hot pace from Erie would be a lot to ask, but despite the walks it was a solid Triple-A debut for Hall.

Funkhouser took the ball the next day for Toledo. The former Louisville Cardinal put together a similar outing to Hall, allowing two runs on five hits over six innings. Funkhouser also issued five free passes and picked up five strikeouts. Watching the duo adjust to a new level will be one of the more interesting stories to watch over the remainder of the season.

Lugo Goes to D.C.

Dawel Lugo was one of two Detroit Tigers prospects to take part in this year’s Futures Game as a part of the All-Star festivities in Washington, D.C. The Dominican played for Team World, which fell to Team USA 10-6.

Lugo started and handled the first four innings at third base while hitting ninth for Team World. The versatile infielder singled and scored in his first at-bat, then was struck out by fellow Tigers prospect Matt Manning his second time up. Ranked as the number 12 prospect in the Detroit Tigers system per MLB Pipeline, Lugo owns a .263 average through 85 games with Toledo this season.