The Tigers introduced that they’ve claimed outfielder TJ Hopkins off waivers from the Giants. In a corresponding transfer, left-hander Kolton Ingram has been designated for project.
Hopkins, 27, had spent his total profession with the Reds till a number of months in the past however has been driving the roster carousel a bit recently. Cincy designated him for project in December after which flipped him to the Giants for money. He caught on the Giants’ roster for about two months earlier than getting got rid of final week. After every week in DFA limbo, he’s now landed with the Tigers.
The correct-handed hitter made his main league debut final 12 months but it surely wasn’t particularly sturdy. He hit simply .171/.227/.171 for the 12 months, although in a tiny pattern of 44 plate appearances. His work in Triple-A was way more encouraging. He drew a stroll in 14% of his 393 plate appearances and likewise launched 16 dwelling runs. His .308/.411/.514 batting line translated to a wRC+ of 134, indicating he was 34% higher than the league common.
Hopkins has principally performed left discipline in his profession however has seen first rate quantities of enjoying time in any respect three outfield spots. The Tigers have an outfield/designated hitter combine that skews left-handed, as every of Parker Meadows, Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter and Akil Baddoo hit from that aspect. The membership acquired Mark Canha to present them a little bit of right-handed ballast however Hopkins will present them with a depth choice. He nonetheless has two choice years and will be saved in Triple-A till he forces his method again to the massive leagues or a gap seems.
As for Ingram, 27, he additionally made a small-sample debut within the majors final 12 months, tossing 5 1/3 innings for the Angels. He allowed 5 earned runs in that point, putting out seven batters but in addition giving out 5 walks. He spent a lot of the 12 months on the farm, splitting his time between Double-A and Triple-A. Between these two ranges, he mixed for 64 innings with a 2.81 ERA. His 31.1% strikeout charge is eye-catching however his 13.1% stroll charge regarding.
The Halos designated him for project after they signed Aaron Hicks and the Tigers grabbed him off waivers within the first week of February, although he’s now been got rid of the roster a few weeks later. The Tigers may have one week to commerce Ingram or cross him by waivers. Left-handed aid is all the time in demand and he nonetheless has a few choice years, so he may very well be engaging to any membership trying to bolster its bullen depth. If he have been to cross by waivers unclaimed, he would follow the Tigers in a non-roster capability.