The Detroit Tigers enter play tonight riding a four-game winning streak after taking the series opener from the Yankees 5-3. Tonight they’ll play the middle game of the three-game series. The Tigers are recalling outfielder Ben Malgeri from Triple-A Toledo as he will bat ninth and play right field tonight for his big league debut. They optioned outfielder Trei Cruz to Toledo to make room for Malgeri and to add him to the 40-man roster. They transferred right-handed pitcher Burch Smith from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster
Malgeri, in 65 games at Toledo this season, is hitting .296 with a .897 OPS. He has 17 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, 34 RBI, 47 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. The Tigers drafted him in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Northeastern University. In two games for Detroit, Cruz didn’t record a hit, striking out three times in five at-bats. In 33 games at Toledo, he’s hit .228 with a .660 OPS. He had five doubles, a triple, two home runs, 16 RBI, 19 runs scored, and a stolen base.
Smith was working his way back as he was going through his throwing progression. He is eligible for activation on July 21st. Smith hasn’t pitched since May 21st.
