The Tigers placed closer Gregory Soto (left finger fracture) and outfielder Derek Hill (left knee sprain) on the 10-day injured list. Both players are expected to miss the rest of the season, manager A.J. Hinch told The Detroit News’ Chris McCosky and other reporters. Outfielder Daz Cameron and infielder Isaac Paredes were called up from Triple-A Toledo to replace Soto and Hill on the active roster.
Soto suffered his injury after being hit by a Manuel Margot line drive on Friday, while Hill sprained his knee while trying to beat out a bunt single yesterday. Hill had to be wheeled off the field following the awkward-looking play, which also involved a collision with Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi.
Soto’s strong work in the first half of the season saw him reach the AL All-Star roster, as he ended up being Detroit’s top choice to preserve late-game leads. Soto posted a 3.39 ERA over 63 2/3 innings out of the bullpen, racking up 18 saves while recording a solid 27.5% strikeout rate. On the down side, Soto’s 14.5% walk rate was one of the league’s worst, as the control problems that bothered Soto in his first two MLB seasons continued in 2021.
As a result of these walks, Soto never exactly held a firm hold on the closer role, as Michael Fulmer also received a good chunk of save opportunities. It remains to be seen if the Tigers will continue with Soto as part of a closer committee in 2022, give him a clearer opportunity as the ninth-inning man, or perhaps go in another direction entirely and acquire another closer. Regardless, Soto has certainly done enough to earn himself a spot in Detroit’s late-game mix.
Hill was the 23rd overall pick of the 2014 draft, and he mostly appeared as a pinch-runner and defensive sub over 15 games in his debut season in 2020. Getting a longer look this year, Hill hit .259/.313/.388 with three home runs over 150 plate appearances, though he also missed about a month total in two separate IL stints (shoulder sprain, ribcage contusion).
Hill’s bat has been a question mark throughout much of his minor league career, though he batted .320/.377/.504 over 141 PA for Toledo this season. A right-handed hitter, Hill has a .311/.353/.459 slash line in 63 PA against southpaw pitching this year, which bodes well for his chances of sticking in the majors as at least a platoon player. Hill is known for excellent speed (160 steals in 206 chances in the minors) and defensive ability, though metrics are split on his glovework in center field this season.
Quite surprised they didn’t call up a pitcher. They will need some bullpen depth added in the off season.
They have no pitchers on the 40 man list. Joe Jimenez is on Covid’s list and is in Toledo doing rehab. Probably will be recalled after the rehab.
Thank you.
I think Hill is a budding star. I also do not believe that his work in centerfield has been anything short of fantastic. The metrics aren’t telling the true story in this case.
Whoo…a Tiger’s article! Good! I was going through Al slamming withdrawals…..
And I hope both players are better soon.
Possibly because I mentioned in another thread that they seemed to miss Soto, Cisnero and Hill all going down to season ending injuries.
Al’s been on it this season. Baddoo never played above A ball, had Tommy John surgery and he had a good season. Wily Peralta was an outstanding signing and Dustin Garneau (sp?) is proving to be a shrewd trade.
Lol…even the Rockies made off the guy! and no extension on W. Peralta. No doubt, Tiger players are exciting. It’s more about missed opportunities, not seeing the forrest for the trees.
Overall strategy and unique opportunities.
I think Wily will be offered an extention after the season. It’s gonna depend on whether or not he wants to stay and if he might want to test free agency.
I think he’ll test free agency because I don’t see the Tigers offering more than 1 year, and I think someone might be willing to offer 2.
Peralta may leave for a better opportunity. Mize, Skubal, and Manning, if healthy, will take 3 spots. Boyd should be the 4, again, if healthy. I see the Tigers opening up the wallet to add a proven vet starter, which would make 5. Plus they will have Faedo and Wendt looking to taste the majors at some point. Fulmer and Alexander could also be stretched out. Wily was a godsend to this staff this year, but would be battling for the 5th starter/long reliever on this team. Love him for depth, but if someone else guarantees that starters job, I see him leaving.
Yeah, DG opted out of Toledo then less than 30 days later, we paid $ for the guy Colo picked up when we had him on a minors deal then opted out. WP is a FA. ( With no team options to make him tradeable WHAT WAS THE POINT? Let him showcase on the MLB level for free? His agent owes Detroit a big favor!)I won’t go over everything I’ve said in the last few years…missed from day one, still missing. Gonna spend big this off-season when it is not time yet, probably because his contract is running out. We need more. All Al Central teams are posed to get better, not just Detroit. We NEED at least 1-2 years more but it looks like Al is going to fall by not seeing what else is going on.
Amazing the flak I got for suggesting he had a unique opportunity last year, to sign an All-star infield for ~under 40M with Gregorius, Semien and Wong…. Gregorius is having a down year but Semien just hit #41….Superfife is not a bs sport professional……I read a lot. Like one of those CIA guys…..Condor?
Al doesn’t have enough days in the week to be able to read what I read.
Sorry to take up so much space ,most people have me blocked anyways. But I gotta say it.
The Kool aid drinkers are all for hiring Correa at $20M+. That’s idiotic. You passed on an entire infield for $40M, don’t ruin the rebuild!
I would state the obvious to.me, but.more than once, other teams have done exactly as I has posted or nailed players I had.mentioned. I know it’s coincidence but I’d rather not post what I think Al should be doing, right NOW.
Peralta should get 1 year extension
Ideal Number 5 starter for next year