The new-look Detroit Tigers have every chance to be even better than their 2021 edition.
They finished last year with a 77-85 record, and if it wasn’t for a lousy start, they would have been over .500.
This time, they look even better: Akil Baddoo has an additional year of MLB experience after being forced to the big leagues last year, Javier Baez was signed to be the starting shortstop, Eduardo Rodriguez was a nice piece to the starting rotation, and Andrew Chafin was an underrated move to improve the bullpen.
However, much of the Tigers’ hopes are centered around two rookies: first baseman Spencer Torkelson and center fielder Riley Greene.
Both are viewed as top prospects in MLB, and both are ready for a chance with the major league team.
Playing right field on Thursday, Greene made probably the catch of spring training so far:
This Tiger can POUNCE.@Greene21Riley pic.twitter.com/bM4dxgfnLe
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) March 31, 2022
An Elite Athlete Made An Elite Catch
A Toronto Blue Jays’ batter hit a screaming liner to right field, forcing Greene to make a leaping catch in what looked to be, at least, a triple off the bat.
His read wasn’t the best, but he made up for it with his elite athleticism to make the play and add an out to the scoreboard.
Greene is in a battle to make not only the Tigers’ Opening Day roster, but also, their starting lineup as a center fielder.
Baddoo and Robbie Grossman will likely have two outfield spots locked up, but the other one is up for grabs and Greene is making sure the Tigers don’t leave him behind.
He is, so far, 8-for-20 (.400) in spring training, with a .480 OBP and a 1.430 OPS.
He has scored five runs and has two homers and four RBI so far.
He is the future for the Tigers, but is fighting to be the present, too.
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