Tigers fans calling for demotion of former top prospect as frustrations boil over vs Cubs

On May 14, Detroit Tigers shortstop Trey Sweeney was slashing .265/.333/.720. Since then, he's been mired in a 5-for-48 skid with 16 strikeouts and no extra-base hits.

Sweeney's struggles at the plate have led to a significant reduction in his playing time over the past week. Heading into Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs, the 25-year-old had started just once in the Tigers' previous four games. But when the Tigers announced their starting lineup for Saturday's contest – which featured Sweeney batting ninth – plenty of disgruntled Tigers fans took to social media to express their frustration.

Admittedly, Sweeney didn't exactly do himself any favors in his first pair of at-bats against the Cubs. He grounded into a double play in the bottom of the third inning, his first time up against starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, and popped up to the first baseman in the fifth inning. He would finish the day going 0-for-2, being replaced by pinch hitter Jahmai Jones in the eighth inning.

Tigers may be prepping for Trey Sweeney demotion as offensive struggles mount

Tigers manager AJ Hinch told reporters, including Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, that the notable decrease in Sweeney's playing time was to allow him time and space to make some adjustments to his swing and plate approach in an effort to get back on track against big league pitching.

In the meantime, utility man Zach McKinstry has been getting more playing time at shortstop, while Javier Báez has returned to playing the infield – seeing time at second, third and shortstop – after center fielder Parker Meadows' return from the IL. Colt Keith is also starting to get some reps at third base, which may be further indication that the Tigers are preparing contingency plans in case of a future demotion for Sweeney.

Despite pleas from fans, the Tigers haven't said or done anything to indicate that Sweeney getting optioned is imminent amid his apparent sophomore slump. If he continues to struggle against Major League pitching, however, the club may not have a choice. But at this rate, it's hard to justify playing time for the former top prospect at the big league level.

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