Tigers call up Max Clark as Kevin McGonigle shines in AL
The Detroit Tigers called up prized outfield prospect Max Clark and scratched Casey Mize from his scheduled start as they opened their final series before the trade deadline. Clark's promotion puts Detroit's top two 2023 draft picks in the majors alongside shortstop Kevin McGonigle, the AL Rookie of the Year favorite.
Clark, 21, was in the starting lineup batting seventh and playing center field against the Athletics on Friday night in West Sacramento. Manager A.J. Hinch said Clark had earned the chance after a standout July at Triple-A Toledo. For more celebrity breaking news, follow BlasterPost's latest sports and entertainment updates.
Key Takeaways
- The Tigers selected Max Clark's contract from Triple-A Toledo and started him in center field against the Athletics.
- Kevin McGonigle, Detroit's No. 37 overall pick in 2023, is already an All-Star and AL Rookie of the Year favorite.
- Casey Mize was scratched so his next start can be pushed to Tuesday in Seattle, after the trade deadline.
- Matt Vierling went on the 10-day IL with a left adductor strain; Andre Granillo was designated for assignment.
Why did the Tigers call up Max Clark now?
Hinch said Clark was "killing it in Triple-A" and had "one of the most impressive Julys in Toledo." After a slow start at Triple-A, Clark was hitting .276 with 11 homers, 42 RBIs and an .802 OPS for Toledo when he was promoted.
According to ESPN, Clark drew a walk in his first plate appearance and then singled to left for his first career hit. He was the third overall pick out of high school in the 2023 draft.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo noted Clark carried a .338/.466/.620 line over 19 July games into the majors after rediscovering his edge, nearly doubling his home-run total for the season.
How does Kevin McGonigle factor into Detroit's youth push?
Clark's arrival means the Tigers have their top two picks from the 2023 draft in the big leagues. Kevin McGonigle, selected 37th overall that year, is batting .285 with nine homers, 37 RBIs and an .806 OPS. He was selected for the All-Star Game on July 14 and is the favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year.
Mayo wrote that McGonigle made the Opening Day roster while Clark spent the first part of the season refining his game in Toledo—a contrast that makes Clark's call-up a landmark moment for Detroit's prospect wave.
Why was Casey Mize scratched from his start?
The front office told Hinch to push Mize's next start to Tuesday in Seattle, a day after the trade deadline, in case a deal can be reached. Mize is 4-6 with a 2.70 ERA in 16 starts and is eligible for free agency after the World Series.
"It's a weird place to be. I feel like I'm in limbo a little bit," Mize said. He added he is healthy after dealing with a groin injury this year and remains committed to the organization.
What roster moves cleared space for Clark?
To open an active roster spot, Detroit placed outfielder Matt Vierling on the 10-day injured list with a left adductor strain, retroactive to July 30 per MLB Trade Rumors. The Tigers also designated right-hander Andre Granillo for assignment to free a 40-man roster spot.
Detroit recalled left-hander Enmanuel De Jesus from Toledo and optioned right-hander Brenan Hanifee to Triple-A. Hinch also said closer Will Vest had elbow surgery for a stress fracture and will undergo hip surgery, missing the rest of the season.