Why Tigers fans are going to have to keep waiting on a Max Clark promotion

After the Detroit Tigers added Kevin McGonigle to the Opening Day roster and he hit the ground running, prospect watchers immediately turned their gaze to Max Clark, the organization’s new top prospect.

Those holding their breath waiting for him to be promoted may have to wait a while longer, though, since Clark has not done enough to warrant a promotion from Triple-A just yet.

He hasn’t been terrible by any stretch, but he’s hitting .270/.358/.414 with nine homers and 37 RBI along with 21 stolen bases. That is what the analytics community refers to as “meh.”

He is still just 21 years old, so there is absolutely no need to rush him to the big leagues. With the way the team has played as of late, they don't need to rush Clark prematurely.

As of this writing, the Tigers are very much alive in the American League Wild Card standings as they are just four games back of the third Wild Card spot. They’re even alive in the American League Central as they find themselves six games back of the Chicago White Sox. They're 6-4 in their last 10 games and they are showing signs of life as the trade deadline looms.

Max Clark could earn a promotion given outfield situation

There could be an opening for Clark to join the big league club at some point, of course. Left fielder Riley Greene has been phenomenal this year, but outside of him, the team hasn’t gotten a ton of production out of its outfielders. Matt Vierling has played a lot in center field and he’s slashing a paltry .209/.260/.331 on the year. Ben Malgeri is getting some opportunities now as well, but he hasn’t done a ton so far, with just eight hits in 30 career at-bats.

Several of the team’s primary outfield options are still on the IL with Javy Báez, Wenceel Pérez, and Parker Meadows all trying to come back from injury. None of them have a clear timetable for their returns, so that uncertainty could create an opening for Clark.

Maybe if things get dire, or there’s another injury in the outfield, then Clark will get called up. But unless that happens, the Tigers should be patient and should probably wait until September to get him his first big league exposure unless he really starts to tear it up before then.

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