Tigers tap outfielder Ben Malgeri for some right-handed punch
· Yahoo Sports
Detroit — He’d just got out of his car outside Comerica Park early Tuesday afternoon and immediately, he was beseeched for an autograph.
Welcome, finally, to the big leagues Ben Malgeri.
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The Tigers purchased the contract of the 26-year-old right-handed hitting outfielder and he is expected to make his big-league debut against the Yankees.
He will replace switch-hitting utility man Trei Cruz, who was optioned back to Triple-A Toledo. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, right-handed reliever Burch Smith was moved to the 60-day injured list.
Malgeri’s is a story of perseverance. Drafted by the Tigers in the 18th round in 2021, he has never carried the label of prospect. In his eight-year climb, he spent parts of three seasons in High A and in Double A.
But at every level, he hit. He has a career .775 OPS. But he’s taken it to another level this year, his first at Triple A. He’s slashing .296/.401/.496 with an .897 OPS with 17 doubles, three triples and nine homers.
He’s been especially productive against left-handed pitching (.323/.430/.646 with a 1.077 OPS).
Cruz, who debuted on Friday, went 0 for 6 in two games.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
Yankees at Tigers
▶ First pitch: 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, Comerica Park, Detroit
▶ TV/radio: Detroit Sports Net, 97.1 FM
Scouting report
▶ LHP Ryan Weathers (2-5, 4.13), Yankees: He spun a beauty against the White Sox last time out (three hits and run with eight strikeouts in 6.1 innings). He lives and dies with his off-speed. His 95-96 mph four-seamer and sinker have a combined minus-7 run value. But his changeup (.202 average, 34.6% whiff rate), sweeper (.135 average) and slider (.129, 31% whiff) are his out pitches.
▶ LHP Tarik Skubal (3-3, 3.02), Tigers: This is his third start back after arthroscopic surgery and he’s gotten sharper and stronger in each of the previous outings. His stuff, in terms of velocity and spin, is back to his normal levels. His command is still spotty, in terms of getting balls in on his glove side and with his changeup. Four of the White Sox six hard-hit balls off him last time out were off his changeup, including the first two homers he’s allowed with that pitch this year.
@cmccosky
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tigers tap outfielder Ben Malgeri for some right-handed punch