Detroit Tigers September Call-Ups Features Steven Moya and James McCann
By Zach Libby
The race for the American Central division crown is heating up as the final month of the regular season kicks off on Monday with the Detroit Tigers visiting the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field.
Currently a 1/2 game behind the Kansas City Royals in the division, the Tigers face a critical weekday series that could very well alter the standings when they head back to Comerica Park for a nine-game home stand.
Unlike the Athletics, who have bolstered their chances in reaching the playoffs by acquiring veteran help in Adam Dunn, Detroit will look to get contributions from their prospects in the minor leagues as the chase continues.
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Seven players will make the jump to the major level over the next two days in Cleveland. Monday was the first day that teams could expand their rosters from 25 to 40.
Outfielder Tyler Collins and Steven Moya, and infielder Hernan Perez will don the old English D today, while pitchers Kyle Lobstein, Kyle Ryan and Robbie Ray, and catcher James McCann will be called up on Tuesday.
At 23-years old, Moya played in the 2014 All-Stars Futures Game and was also named the Eastern League MVP while with the Erie Sea Wolves.
Moya, rated as the seventh best prospect in the Tigers organization, hasn’t played above the Double-A level but has posted incredible numbers this season, hitting .276 with 35 home runs and 105 RBI’s in 133 games played. However, the 6-foot-6, 232 pound outfielder will have to improve on his strikeout ratio per at-bat. In 515 plate appearances, Moya has struck out 161 times and walked only 23 times.
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“He brings power,” Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said (via Chris Lott). “He brings that threat off the bench to hit the ball 450 feet. He can hit it to all fields. Opposing managers are going to have to be aware of that.”
According to Ausmus, McCann gives the Tigers a third option at catcher behind Alex Avila and Bryan Holaday. He’s spent the entire season with the Toledo Mud Hens, batting .295 with seven home runs and 54 RBI’s in 109 games at Triple-A.
McCann, 24, was the Tigers’ first selection in the 2011 Draft in the second round. He’ll look to acquire a backup role in 2016 when Avila become eligible for free agency following next season.
In order to make room for McCann on the 40 man roster, the Tigers have placed pitcher Drew VerHagen on the 60-day emergency disabled list.