The Detroit Tigers made sure, on Wednesday afternoon, that the Clemens family had two members with Major League pitching experience.
That’s right: Kody Clemens, Roger’s son, is an infielder by trade, but his services on the mound were required on Wednesday in the Tigers’ lopsided loss to the Chicago White Sox, which ended 13-0.
Three position players were sent by Tigers manager AJ Hinch today to try and finish the game without burning the bullpen too much: Harold Castro, Clemens, and catcher Tucker Barnhart.
Castro was the only one to pitch a scoreless frame, and he even added a strikeout.
Clemens and Barnhart, however, conceded three hits and a run each.
Roger’s son added a walk, too.
“Like father, like son: Kody Clemens on the mound! (via @BallySportsDET),” Fox Sports MLB tweeted today, with a clip of Clemens warming up.
Like father, like son 👀
Kody Clemens on the mound!
(via @BallySportsDET)pic.twitter.com/2SlcxYmS35
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 15, 2022
Clemens Has Some Nice Offensive Potential
Clemens made his MLB debut this year with the Tigers, but hasn’t been too successful in his role.
He is capable of playing first base, second base, third base, and left field, but his bat hasn’t made the trip to MLB yet.
Before Wednesday’s game, he is slashing .087/.160/.087 in 25 plate appearances.
He is a legitimate infield prospect, though, so don’t be surprised if he earns himself a role within the next couple of months for the disappointing Tigers.
In Triple-A, he was slashing a fine .283/.316/.527 with eight homers and three stolen bases, and last season, he belted 18 home runs.
He has some pop in his bat, so perhaps he could carve out a nice career eventually as a hitter.
For a day, however, he emulated his father and threw some pitches from an MLB mound.
NEXT: Alex Faedo Is Becoming A Pleasant Surprise For The Tigers