Detroit Tigers: Nick Maton returns hoping for better results

Nick Maton has rejoined the Detroit Tigers.

The Detroit Tigers opted to send down infielder Nick Maton to Triple-A to join the Toledo Mud Hens for some time, getting demoted for a "refresh." He broke camp with the team and was thought to be one of the more exciting hitters coming out of Spring Training in 2023.

Not that the Detroit Tigers were expecting All-Star caliber numbers from Maton, but there was hope he would be able to contribute well offensively near the top of the lineup as one of those grimy infielders who grinds out at-bats.

For Maton, things did not exactly go as planned. He struggled to get the wheels turning at times, and the numbers are not the most fun to look at, but after some time away from the big leagues and the All-Star Break mixed in, the Tigers opted to bring Maton back up.

The left-handed hitting infielder re-joins the team and is looking to bring a fresh start, a new batting stance, and an even better approach to the table for the team. In the absence of Jonathan Schoop after he was DFA'd by the team, Maton will likely slot into the infield, getting some time at second and third base.

He has already returned to the lineup and was looking to get his feet wet with the new stance early on. He is 1-for-6 in his first two games back with a two-run home run to his credit, drawing a walk as well in his return to the Tigers lineup.

On the season, Maton has played in 74 games, hitting .163/,289/.298 with 34 walks and 62 strikeouts over 208 at-bats. He's someone who has not exactly found the groove in the batters' box, but the Tigers are hoping he can get a handle on his performance and settle in well as part of his return.

Maton's known to be someone who works at-bats and works counts well, with a keen eye for the zone. While some questionable calls have not helped his cause for working the zone, the Tigers will be hoping for more from the left-handed bat.

Whether the eye is there or not, he has not shown the success the Tigers are looking for, and at some point, something's got to give. I understand wanting to give a player another chance, but the leash here with Maton needs to be tightened, as he needs to show some progression in his return.

The Tigers cannot afford to run him out there with continued struggles over time. But time will tell, as it will be interesting to see how things shake out for Maton.