Detroit Tigers Spring Training Notes Day 2: Pitching prospects make early impressions

During an eventful Day 2 of full-squad workouts in Lakeland, Fla., Detroit Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch toured the backfields with President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris. A few young pitchers made an impression early in camp, and live batting practice headlined the final moments of day two.

A simple reason why A.J. Hinch likes left-hander Brant Hurter

Speaking with the media Tuesday morning, Hinch discussed Brant Hurter, who pitched in batting practice Tuesday morning. Hurter, who led the system with a 2.91 FIP in 2023, was crucial for Erie in the postseason, throwing 13 scoreless innings down the stretch.

" I wish all of our development guys throw as many strikes as he does and challenge the strike zone the way he does" Hinch said.

Hinch then discussed right-hander Wilmer Flores, who appears to have slimmed down during the offseason and was added to the 40-man roster.

"The difference between Wilmer, when he's good in the minors, and Wilmer when he struggles, is count leverage, he has weapons, he has the demeanor, he has aggressiveness to his approach." gotta get him to use it in the box," Hinch said. "He's going to learn a lot, he feels like he should have been here before (being selected to the 40-man), and he would have been if he would have thrown more strikes, and I think all he needs is that challenge, and work on refining his skills, he's closer than he thinks".

Backfield batting practice at Detroit Tigers Spring Training.

Tarik Skubal was already in season form, hitting 100 on the gun, as he took on live batters. He threw against Colt Keith, Riley Greene, and Spencer Torkelson. Skubal looked the part of being the Tigers ace in his outing on Tuesday.

Then Javier Baez took on right-hander Mason Englert and just like that, the "midseason form" headline was born.

Hinch will continue to have pitchers face each group as the week goes on. Stay tuned on the Detroit Tigers Spring Training action as Day 3 is up next.

Make sure to check out the Day 1 notes as well, to be caught up on the latest buzz from Lakeland as we've got boots on the ground here for Spring Training.