The Tigers introduced that outfielder TJ Hopkins has been designated for task because the corresponding transfer for infielder Gio Urshela, who was signed to a one-year deal earlier right now.
Hopkins, 27, was with the Reds final yr however has been bouncing across the league in latest months. He was designated for task in December when Cincy signed Austin Wynns, later getting flipped to the Giants in a money deal. He lasted a few months on the Giants’ roster however was designated task once more in mid-February when that membership acquired Otto López. The Tigers claimed him off waivers two days in the past however he’s now acquired his third DFA of the offseason.
He made his main league debut final yr however hit simply .171/.227/.171 in 25 video games. His 94-game displaying in Triple-A was rather more spectacular as he drew walks at a 14% clip and hit 16 house runs, resulting in a slash of .308/.411/.514 and a 134 wRC+. He’s largely performed left area however has expertise in any respect three outfield slots.
He’s by no means actually been a highly-touted prospect but it surely appears final yr’s robust Triple-A displaying is intriguing sufficient for a number of golf equipment to have acquired him. He nonetheless has two choice years and may very well be a pleasant depth piece someplace. The Tigers will now have one week to commerce him or move him by means of waivers. Based mostly on the best way his offseason has gone thus far, it wouldn’t be a shock if he landed on one other roster. If he have been to move by means of waivers unclaimed, he would persist with the Tigers are non-roster depth.