The Tigers announced after Wednesday evening’s game that they’ve selected the contract of infielder Ronny Rodriguez from Triple-A Toledo and optioned catcher Grayson Greiner back to Triple-A in his place. The move gives the Tigers a full 40-man roster.
It’ll be the first call to the Majors for the 26-year-old Rodriguez, who signed a minor league deal with Detroit this offseason after previously spending his entire professional career with the Indians organization. The versatile Rodriguez posted a sound .291/.324/.454 slash in 483 plate appearances with Triple-A Columbus last year in his final season with the Cleveland organization, and he’s off to an even better start in his new environs, batting .302/.327/.484 with six homers, 13 doubles, a pair of triples and eight stolen bases (albeit in 13 attempts).
Rodriguez has been primarily a shortstop and third baseman this season with the MudHens, but he’ll bring at least 585 innings of experience at all four infield positions to the Tigers’ roster. He’s also spent more than 300 innings in the outfield over the past three seasons, including 139 innings of work in center field. The right-handed hitter won’t walk much but also hasn’t had much of an issue with strikeouts during his time in Triple-A.
sufferforsnakes
Good for Ronny! Always confused me as to why the Tribe never brought him up to the bigs.
datrain021
At least thought he was 40 man worthy for them. But then again they had Urshela and Gonzalez ahead of him.
tiger9
Wow! Last game before his call up….he goes 5 for 6 and hits for the cycle.
tigerfan4ever
Hopefully he stays and Kozma gets DFA’d when Miggy is activated. He’s been on a tear lately culminating in that aforementioned game last night.
tvcolosi
I think this means Miggy is activated ASAP. Without him Hicks is the only other C and Goodrum looks lost at 1B.
davidkaner
Goodrum can play 3b 2b LF decently and his bat from the left side has real power. Jacoby hasn’t quite proven to be every day player so platoon him in LF with Goodrum.
tvcolosi
They had an open spot because they never announced the corresponding move for Stumpf to the DP
tigerfan4ever
They brought up Barbato to replace Stumpf.
Steve Lawrence
Yeah I think it is mostly a miggy return move. Hicks now takes Greiner’s spot as back-up catcher. Greiner showed he can play – he will be back.
bgreen84
Greiner definitely has some ability. This will allow him to play on a more regular basis. For sure will see him again this year
davidkaner
Look for a McCann trade at deadline because he’s hitting decently and has relatively low salary. Tigers have 3 C in the pipeline all can play D Greiner will hit so if someone loses a C near trade deadline McCann is gone.
GarryHarris
C Grayson Greiner will be getting playing time in AAA vs sitting on the Tiger’s bench. He seems to be MLB ready now. I like to see teams with two full-time catchers splitting duty. Conversely, the Tigers have been patient with Dixon Machado but he’s shown little so I’m hoping Ronny Rodriguez will see time at 2B and displace him. Miguel Cabrera should DH from here on. Victor Martinez isn’t part of the future.
davidkaner
I am highly disappointed in DM. Tigers kept all last season like a Rule 5 guy and defense has been okay not spectacular and his bat has been very underwhelming. That trade to Cinci is looking worse everyday. Suarez looks to be 20-25 homer guy .275 hitter excellent defensive guy. The kept DM over him in the trade.
stymeedone
If Dh kept players on the field, please explain all of Victor’s dl stints. If there were plans to move Miggy from 1B, Hicks would be the likely replacement and Greiner would still be up. Miggy is still their best defensive 1B. Victor playing now will help the development of the kids playing alongside him. He is not the future, but he will help shape the future.
GarryHarris
I don’t mean to show you any disrespect: How does Victor Martinez help in the development of others? He takes ABs away from them; he can’t run the bases or play the field. The local sports writers reported that Victor gives the impression to the rest of the team that he is “Entitled”. Finally, he has a history of heart issues. All in all, I don’t see it.
stymeedone
Haven’t seen any article indicating that Victor is a bad teammate. Reports of him from Cleveland to Boston and now, Detroit, have always been positive. His recent disagreement with the press has little to do with his dugout presence. Veteran players help show younger players the right way to do things. There is more to a “team” than just stats. Until they feel Stewart is ready (defensively, he’s not), Victor isnt stealing any ABs, at least from any future contributor. No need to rush any of the young talent. I dont see giving his abs to Mikie Mahtook helping the team or even Mikie. (But, yes, he is probably the slowest player in the game, and his contract will be done at years end)
davidkaner
Mahtook should not even be in the discussion. He’s a 4a player. Tampa knows talent, if he could play he would have stayed in Tampa. I rather see Christian Stewart come up now and stop using his defense as an excuse. He can play LF better than the Cubs rookie and Manny never played a good LF in Boston. He can hit damn it!
davidkaner
Just a feeling, VMART gets released before trading deadline because no one will trade for him but it will give him a chance to catch on with a team at league minimum. He serves as a wasted spot and impediment to younger guys playing time.
Matt Galvin
Trade McCann for a future 1B.
3rdStrikeLooking
?
davidkaner
I think Tigers drafted one in the 2nd round last year although he’s been in the OF his future us at 1b. If McCann gets traded, Hicks goes to 1b Vmart gets released Miggy goes to DH. Greiner returns. If the draft BART over Mize, McCann is definitely traded in July or off season.
ifonlydetroitcoulddraft
Great move. Krizan has also been getting reps at IF lately and has been consistent at the plate. I could see him taking the other bench spot over Kozma. So nice to finally see the Tigers with some options coming up from Toledo!
dm038
VMart might be DFA When Miggy is activated.
davidkaner
I would do it in a heartbeat but it will be Kozma. Can’t hit Ronnie Rodriguez can.
tiger9
We could only hope Victor gets the axe.
diller79
As brutal as it is to watch Victor will be with be with the tigers until the end of the season when he retires
davidkaner
Or Aug 1 if not traded allows him to be Playoff eligible for any team who needs a bat off the bench.