Detroit Tigers: Derek Hill should be getting big league playing time
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Tigers are pressing on with their 2021 season, and in recent news, outfielder Derek Hill has been reactivated from the Injured List (IL) and is healthy once again. Hill made a leaping catch where he crashed into the wall, resulting in a shoulder injury that kept him off the field.
Now, as Mlive reported, Hill was reactivated but is not headed back to the Motor City, which sucks. The Detroit Tigers outfielder was optioned back down to Triple-A to play for the Toledo Mud Hens.
He “lost” his job in the big leagues after just seven games in the big leagues this season. Victor Reyes, who is also returning from injury, will take Hill’s role. Mlive also reported on this dilemma and the idea that Hill might be demoted upon reactivation.
I’m here to advocated that Hill needs to be in the big leagues and playing for the Tigers. He deserves a chance in the big leagues, and his injury costing him his job due to roster construction should be frustrating for a couple of reasons.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Derek Hill should not be headed back to the minors, rather to the Motor City upon reactivation.
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As was mentioned, Hill has logged just seven games in 2021, where he is 3-for-12 with two walks.
Frankly, there’s not much to make of his 2021 stats, but the guy deserves his shot in the big leagues.
Last season, Hill got the call-up to the big leagues, where he played 15 of the team’s 60-game shortened season. Hill slashed .091/.167/.091 which is atrocious.
He deserves a shot in 2021 that’s more than seven games, especially given the construction of the roster.
Nomar Mazara is eating up time in the Tigers outfield and is slashing .207/.280/.324 with three big flies and 16 RBI on the season.
The Tigers should be working in Hill, a prospect player who deserves another look since his first stint was crumpled by his injury.
Mazara simply is not living up to the expectation or at least the best-case scenario hopes for him this season. Why not designate Mazara for assignment, and if someone takes a flier on him or he refuses demotion, then the Tigers can work in more prospects.
The Tigers could call up Hill and let him get more playing time if they choose to DFA Mazara and clear space on the roster for Hill. It just seems like it would be better to get Hill some more reps in the big league and let him find his footing.
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With 15 games last year and only seven this year, his stats are not pretty, but he needs more of a chance to find his footing in the big leagues.