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The Detroit Tigers needed some help against left-handed pitching.
With the New York Yankees scheduled to start Carlos Rodon on Tuesday at Comerica Park, the Tigers' front office summoned outfield prospect Ben Malgeri from Triple-A Toledo to audition for the specialist role.
A 2021 18th-round draft pick, Malgeri collected two hits in three at-bats and scored a run during the Tigers' 4-3 loss, snapping a four-game winning streak.
Could Malgeri be an answer to the Tigers' search for more right-handed offense against lefty starters?
Stunned by a 6-22 May, the Tigers (34-45) fell out of the top of the AL Central race. They continue to search for consistent offense from right-handed hitters.
A two-time 31-home run hitter during his five big-league seasons, Spencer Torkelson entered Tuesday with 14 hits in 60 at-bats against left-handers. The .233 batting average with one homer and six RBI keeps the 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick down in the batting order, often hitting anywhere from fifth to seventh in the order.
Jahmai Jones, who opened the season as the right-handed specialist, has yet to hit a groove, going 12-for-72 with two homers and seven RBI.
The Tigers needed more.
Is Malgeri a short- or long-term answer?
Tigers' Ben Malgeri makes MLB debut, collects two hits
Malgeri paid his minor-league dues.
Not considered a top prospect, the former Northeastern standout grinded through 1,869 minor-league at-bats, hitting .258 with 52 homers and 233 RBI. He replaced third-generation player Trei Cruz, who was optioned back to Toledo.
Malgeri spent three seasons (2022-25) shuffling between Double-A Erie and Single-A West Michigan, but remained consistent until finally getting his Triple-A shot coming out of spring training. He slashed .296/.401/.496 with the Mud Hens.
Malgeri became the sixth member of the Tigers' 2021 draft class, joining Jackson Jobe, Ty Madden, Dylan Smith, Brant Hurter and Jack Anderson, who dressed for the Boston Red Sox.
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