After a tremendous start to the season, the Detroit Tigers have finally hit a rough patch. Losers of nine of their past 10 games after dropping a series to the Pittsburgh Pirates this week, the Tigers have serious questions to answer if they want to remain a contender in the American League. Simply put, their recent performance isn’t going to cut it, and there will be consequences for those who can’t turn it around.
That’s what happened to one Tigers outfielder who is back on the market after playing in just one game for Detroit and will now be left wondering if he’ll remain with the team or be looking for a new one in the coming days.
Tigers Designate OF Brewer Hicklen for Assignment
The Tigers announced on Wednesday that they have designated outfielder Brewer Hicklen for assignment and called up right-hander Troy Melton from Triple-A Toledo as part of the latest move.
Hicklen came over in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers in March and did well for his one game in May, going 2-for-3 with a walk. Unfortunately, that performance isn’t an indicator of his season as he’s hit .227/.335/.394 with eight homers and 14 stolen bases for Triple-A Toledo. It’s also a similar experience for the 29-year-old who has just 13 major league plate appearances during his career, which includes a .242/.351/.466 batter’s line at Triple-A.
Although he’s struggled to make contact, Hicklen has solid speed that helped him steal 248 bases on 287 attempts during his professional career. He can also play all three outfield positions, which could make him an interesting late-game depth piece for a contending team down the stretch.
The Tigers could use the depth behind Wenceel Pérez, Riley Greene, and Parker Meadows, but are waiting on Kerry Carpenter’s return from the injured list with a hamstring injury. The Tigers could also add a right-handed bat at the deadline, potentially adding to the logjam in front of Hicklen.
Detroit has five days to trade or place Hicklen on waivers, and it’s most likely he heads back to Triple-A either with the Tigers or someone else. But it’s one move that could precede a busy week for Detroit as it looks to load up for the postseason stretch.