Detroit Tigers News MCB Sunday Notes: The evening of cut day

Mar 24, 2022; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Victor Reyes (22) singles during the first inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2022; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Victor Reyes (22) singles during the first inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers continue to make cuts in spring training as the last of the position battles comes down to the wire.

Welcome to week 3 of the “Sunday MCB notes” a recap of all things Detroit Tigers & Major League Baseball  and anything else that catches our eye. This week’s recap includes the recent cuts in spring training & the ones that are happening tomorrow, a few Tigers outfielders continue their strong spring trainings and a look around Major League Baseball.

Detroit Tigers outfielders continue to have a good spring

Akil Baddoo hit his second home run of the spring on Friday. What makes this special, however, is that it was his first home run off a left-hander since July 23rd, 2016, when he was in Twins rookie ball. 

Riley Greene, who appears to be making the Opening Day roster, also continued his good spring. Looking at the leaderboard among exit velocities last season, Greene has made hard contact like a seasoned veteran.

Tigers prospect outfielder Parker Meadows has been also making solid contact in limited time, going 3-for-3 with 3 RBI and has looked good defensively.

Meadows has not played above High-A ball, so he could finally see some time in Erie to start the season. Cody Stavenhagen of the Athletic had a nice write up on Meadows ($) and what he worked on for his swing to get better.

Hill and Reyes competing for a bench spot

Both Derek Hill and Victor Reyes are fighting for a spot on the roster. Both Hill and Reyes have minor league options and put up similar numbers in terms of average so far. Of the two out of the three hits that Hill has had have come courtesy of the long ball.

Earlier today, Hill flashed the leather.

Not to be outdone, Reyes stayed in stride with Hill today.

The Tigers trim their spring training roster on Saturday as several players from the 40-man roster were sent down to minor league camp. Ryan Kreidler and Jack Lopez were both told by manager A.J. Hinch that would not make the team, however, both are going to stay in the big league camp.

The Detroit Tigers sign a former MVP

In what appears to be a move for depth at first base in the minor league system, the Tigers signed DH/1B/3B Quincy Nieporte earlier in the week. He was the 2021 Frontier League MVP after a season in which he hit .331 with 17 home runs.

Jackson Jobe Update

Per the story this morning by Chris McCosky of the Detroit News ($), Detroit has no plans on assigning 2021 1st-round draft pick Jackson Jobe to a minor league team yet. Before the game today, Hinch spoke to the press about the plan for Jobe.

“He’s just learning how to be a pro,” Hinch said. “He’s been on a five-day (throwing) schedule, the first time he’s ever done that. He’s a young kid trying to find his way as a 19-year-old in a very crowded minor league system.”

Michael Pineda and Wily Peralta continue to wait

During the broadcast yesterday, Tigers radio announcer Dan Dickerson provided an update on Pineda and Peralta, who are waiting for their work visas to be processed. Pineda is here in the states but Peralta is home in his native Dominican Republic. Peralta is expected to be pitching out of the bullpen this season.

To end this week’s MCB Sunday notes, two new features to end the article.

A moment of Tigers Baseball Zen:

Blast from the Past: Tigers and Braves from the Hall of Fame Game in 1984.