Detroit Tigers: 2021 first half grades. There is progress

The Detroit Tigers are progressing under manager A.J. Hinch and his coaching staff. Let’s break down the first half of the season.

The Detroit Tigers start the second half of the season at 40-51. They came into the All-Star break looking tired as the bullpen in Minnesota coughed up leads in all four games in the series. But overall, despite being eleven games under .500, the Tigers have been entertaining to watch.

Manager A.J. Hinch has not been afraid to try out various lineups and use Toledo as much as possible to get the best results possible based on the limited depth the Tigers currently have. As a result of Hinch and the work of pitching coach Chris Fetter, names you did not expect to contribute, have, and continue to be key pieces.

Even the roster move announced this morning was one indication that Hinch will continue to churn over the roster for results.

Before we look at the various parts of the roster, let’s take a look at how many moves exactly the Tigers have done since the season began.

Detroit Tigers injuries and key call-ups

placed Julio Teheran, Spencer Turnbull, and Rony Garcia on the 60-day IL

placed Matthew Boyd on the 10-day IL

placed Michael Fulmer on the 10-day IL

placed  Wilson Ramos on the 10-day IL (later designated for assignment)

placed Grayson Greiner on the 10-day IL (later optioned to Toledo)

designated Christin Stewart for assignment

designated Renato Nunez for assignment

designated Buck Farmer for assignment (back with the team)

designated JaCoby Jones for assignment

Victor Reyes was sent to Toledo

designated Beau Burrows for assignment (picked up by Minnesota)

May 6th: called up Kyle Funkhouser

May 7th: recalled Jake Rogers from Toledo

May 12: selected the contract of Eric Haase from Toledo

recalled Matt Manning from Toledo

released and resigned Franklin Perez (out for the year)

selected the contract of Wily Perlata

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There are three key transactions we will circle back to shortly that have made this season much more fun to watch. We also saw departures in the coaching staff as Jose Cruz Jr and Chip Hale both accepted jobs to run their alma maters.

So without further ado, let’s break down the Detroit Tigers roster by starting pitching, bullpen, outfield, infield, and bench.