The 2023 Toledo Mud Hens Opening Day Roster

On Thursday, the Toledo Mud Hens announced their Opening Day roster as they will feature several prospects who are in MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Detroit Tigers prospects. Justyn-Henry Malloy (#7), Wenceel Perez (#9) who will start the season on the IL, Parker Meadows (#12), Reese Olson (#13) and Andre Lipcius (#22)

Anthony Iapoce is the newest Mud Hens manager, replacing Lloyd McClendon. Among the names coming back to Toledo are hitting coach Mike Hessman, pitching coach Doug Bochtler and bench coach Tony Cappuccilli. New to the team this year is Oillie Kadey, who is a development coach, with a primary focus in pitching. He served in the same in Erie last season.

Here's how the rest of the roster looks:

Pitchers

RHP Alex Faedo
RHP Brenan Hanifee
RHP Reese Olson
RHP Ashton Goudeau
RHP Kervin Castro
RHP Miguel Diaz
RHP Trevor Rosenthal
RHP Will Vest
RHP Brendan White
RHP Matt Wisler
LHP Miguel Del Pozo
LHP Jace Fry
LHP Zach Logue
LHP Tyler Holton

Catchers:

Donny Sands
Andrew Knapp
Michael Papierski

Infield

Justyn-Henry Malloy
Andre Lipcius
Jermaine Palacios
Andy Ibanez
Brendon Davis
Zack Short

Outfield

Parker Meadows
Jonathan Davis
Akil Baddoo

Infielder Wenceel Perez (7-day) and left-handed pitcher Jose Alvarez (out for the season) will start the year on the IL. What was a surprise to some was not seeing pitching prospect Wilmer Flores in the Mud Hens rotation. After making quick work at High-A West Michigan, Flores tossed 83.2 innings of work for the SeaWolves, striking out 95, posting a healthy K per rate of 10.22.

But upon thinking about it further, it makes sense. The rotation will feature two new faces in Brenan Hanifee, who was signed as a minor league free agent from Baltimore, and Ashton Goudeau, who has pitched a handful of games between the Reds and the Rockies over the last several seasons. Flores is still working on building up his stamina and his third pitch, a changeup. Those were the two main focuses of his off-season when I spoke to him in spring training.

The Mud Hens bullpen will be interesting to watch as both Miguel Diaz and Miguel Del Pozo return after impressive spring trainings. Add in Trevor Rosenthal to the mix and Toledo has a veteran-laced, deep bullpen.

Parker Meadows was among the top Tigers as far as spring training numbers go. He showed impressive power throughout the spring. If he can improve against left-handed pitching, that will help get up to Detroit soon. Last season, Meadows hit just .196 against lefties. With Jonathan Davis and Akil Baddoo joining Meadows in the outfield, Toledo will have one of the more talented trios in the International League.

Toledo kicks off their 2023 season today against St. Paul. First pitch is at 4:05.