Story by
Tigers' Ben Malgeri makes MLB debut, seeks to fill right-handed hitting specialist role
- Story by
- Tigers' Ben Malgeri makes MLB debut, seeks to fill right-handed hitting specialist role
Tigers' Ben Malgeri makes MLB debut, seeks to fill right-handed hitting specialist role originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Detroit Tigers needed some help against left-handed pitching.
Advertisement
With the New York Yankees scheduled to start Carlos Rodon on Tuesday at Comerica Park, the Tigers' front office summoned outfield prospect Ben Malgeri from Triple-A Toledo to audition for the specialist role.
A 2021 18th-round draft pick, Malgeri collected two hits in three at-bats and scored a run during the Tigers' 4-3 loss , snapping a four-game winning streak.
Could Malgeri be an answer to the Tigers' search for more right-handed offense against lefty starters ?
Stunned by a 6-22 May, the Tigers (34-45) fell out of the top of the AL Central race. They continue to search for consistent offense from right-handed hitters.
Advertisement
A two-time 31-home run hitter during his five big-league seasons, Spencer Torkelson entered Tuesday with 14 hits in 60 at-bats against left-handers. The .233 batting average with one homer and six RBI keeps the 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick down in the batting order, often hitting anywhere from fifth to seventh in the order.
Jahmai Jones , who opened the season as the right-handed specialist, has yet to hit a groove, going 12-for-72 with two homers and seven RBI.
The Tigers needed more.
Is Malgeri a short- or long-term answer?
Tigers' Ben Malgeri makes MLB debut, collects two hits
Malgeri paid his minor-league dues.
Advertisement
Not considered a top prospect, the former Northeastern standout grinded through 1,869 minor-league at-bats, hitting .258 with 52 homers and 233 RBI. He replaced third-generation player Trei Cruz , who was optioned back to Toledo.
Malgeri spent three seasons (2022-25) shuffling between Double-A Erie and Single-A West Michigan, but remained consistent until finally getting his Triple-A shot coming out of spring training. He slashed .296/.401/.496 with the Mud Hens.
Malgeri became the sixth member of the Tigers' 2021 draft class, joining Jackson Jobe , Ty Madden , Dylan Smith, Brant Hurter and Jack Anderson, who dressed for the Boston Red Sox .
