The Detroit Tigers have elevated their tenth-overall prospect in an effort to buy the rotation a bit more rest, per MLB.com's Jason Beck. At this point in the regular season, an additional day of rest can have a huge impact on the top contenders.
The one downside of the move is the fact that rookie Troy Melton, making his debut, is somewhat meaningless. No matter how great the starter looks, there is a great chance the Tigers will still demote the rookie after a lone start. Melton isn't being brought up as an answer in the rotation, but to give the established arms an extra day of rest.
Melton has been impressive in 16 minor league starts, striking out 101 batters in 75.1 innings pitched. Detroit didn't just pick a random innings eater to buy time, but a player who deserved the promotion after putting together a great run this season. It is fair to wonder if an impressive start could at least create some level of consideration that Melton stays with the big league team. Replacing Jack Flaherty would be ideal if Melton's minor league results translated to the next level.
Tigers Elevate Top-10 Prospect Troy Melton
Regardless, it is exciting for Tigers fans to get a glimpse of a player expected to soon play into Detroit's rotation. Another way to look at it, aside from the obvious rest, is the fact that this could be viewed as a tryout for other teams. Melton is close to a finished product, and the Tigers could be considering dealing the starter away to add much-needed depth in an effort to make a deep postseason run.
It is very possible that this has played into the decision to create extra rest for the typical rotation. Giving your starters an extra day of rest while featuring a possible trade chip accomplishes two needed goals. Dealing Melton wouldn't be a terrible decision if the right return is offered to help make a postseason run.
With this in mind, Melton's debut is a must-watch not only for Tigers fans but for MLB sellers who could be interested in adding the pitcher. It is at least worth a look as the starter attempts to make the jump to the next level.