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New York Times
25-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Tigers' Wenceel Pérez has a field day showing his developmental success
DETROIT — A little more than a year ago, Wenceel Pérez was in spring training, playing second base and sailing throws over first. He had the yips. Couldn't tame the strength of his own arm. He was coming off a nice year at the plate, but with Colt Keith at second base and so much other young talent in the system, was he really going to have a place in the Detroit Tigers' future? Advertisement It felt like a fair question. Look at Pérez now, blasting balls all around the yard from both sides of the plate, slashing a game-tying double down the right-field line Tuesday against the Athletics, hosing down two runners at second base in the same inning, all from his new home in right field. Pérez's position switch changed his career. But the version of Pérez we've seen in 2025 — after his return from a back injury that delayed his start to the season — has been different even than the spark plug we saw in 2024. 'Last year was my first year,' Pérez said recently. 'I was trying to adjust every day. This year … I have a better routine and a better idea of what I'm doing.' Tigers manager A.J. Hinch joked last week about how Pérez is breaking scouting reports. In 2024, he was a switch hitter who was effective only from the left side. His OPS as a right-handed hitter was .594. Then came a small tweak: closing off his stance, angling his front foot in to make sure he doesn't pull off the baseball. So far this season, Pérez has six home runs in 75 at-bats. Three have come from the left side. Three have come from the right. His OPS is 1.007, aided by a 2-for-4 night in Tuesday's 11-4 victory against the A's. During a stretch in which the Tigers' flaws have started to show, Pérez has been an energetic X-factor, helping his team hold its commanding 9 1/2-game lead in the American League Central. 'For as much as other guys get talked about, he has quietly been an instrumental part of our season once we got him back from injury,' Hinch said. That arm, too, continues to play. In the seventh inning on Tuesday, Tyler Soderstrom hit a rocket liner over Pérez's head. Pérez got an awkward read. A year ago, Pérez might have botched that play entirely. Instead, Pérez froze, caught the ricochet off the right-field wall and fired an 83 mph bull's-eye to Javier Báez at second base. Soderstrom was out easily. Advertisement Two batters later, Jacob Wilson hit a liner to right. Lead runner Denzel Clarke dashed toward third. Pérez did not make a foolish throw in. He did not split the runners. He did not even toss the ball to the cutoff man. Instead, he twirled and tossed another perfect one-hopper to second to nail Wilson. In the dugout, starting pitcher Tarik Skubal turned to Hinch and asked, 'Have you ever seen that before?' Hinch's answer: Not from the same player in the same inning. TERRIBLE IDEA x2 — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 25, 2025 The two outfield assists in the same inning were a product of more than a year of work behind the scenes. Last year, Pérez was plenty capable in the outfield — worth plus-1 defensive runs saved in right field — but at times looked awkward and unsure. This year, the actions are more natural, the movements more fluid. 'I don't know outs above average or defensive runs saved, but it feels like he accumulated a pretty good amount of WAR tonight,' Skubal said. Said Hinch: 'I see him slowing the game down and maintaining his rhythm and his timing and his fundamentals. … He's not slow, but he's slowing the game down, and that's encouraging.' All of that was only part of what Pérez did in the Tigers' 50th victory of the season. He singled in the bottom half of the seventh and later dashed around third to score on an overthrow to the plate, sliding in headfirst. In the ninth, Pérez made a sliding catch for the final out of the game. His favorite defensive moment of the night? 'I think all three were the favorite,' he joked. On his way off the field, Jahmai Jones waved his hands, mocking a bow to Pérez's prowess. The infielder turned outfielder flashed a big grin. This is the type of development story the Tigers love. Pérez is the type of player who forms the backbone of this team. 'That speaks to who he is,' Skubal said. 'When I came up with him in the minor leagues, he was a shortstop with a very good arm. They put him in the outfield, and he can kind of roam free and let that arm go.'
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Caminero and Pepiot help the surging Rays beat the Tigers 8-3
Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith (33) is out at second base as Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) turns a double play during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Detroit Tigers' Wenceel Pérez (46) is safe at second base as Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls (6) throws to first during the eight inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Tampa Bay Rays' Christopher Morel rounds the bases after his home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Tampa Bay Rays' Christopher Morel rounds the bases after his home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Tampa Bay Rays' Christopher Morel rounds the bases after his home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Tampa Bay Rays' Christopher Morel rounds the bases after his home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith (33) is out at second base as Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) turns a double play during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Detroit Tigers' Wenceel Pérez (46) is safe at second base as Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls (6) throws to first during the eight inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Tampa Bay Rays' Christopher Morel rounds the bases after his home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Tampa Bay Rays' Christopher Morel rounds the bases after his home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) Tampa Bay Rays' Christopher Morel rounds the bases after his home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Junior Caminero, Danny Jansen and Christopher Morel each hit a solo homer, helping Ryan Pepiot and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Detroit Tigers 8-3 on Saturday. Taylor Walls had two RBIs for Tampa Bay, and Yandy Díaz extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Pepiot (5-6) struck out seven while pitching five innings of one-run ball. Advertisement With its second straight win over AL Central-leading Detroit, Tampa Bay moved a season-best nine games over .500 at 43-34. The Rays are a major league-best 22-8 since May 20. Jahmai Jones had an RBI double for Detroit, and Jake Rogers also drove in a run. Brant Hurter (2-3) recorded two outs as the opener and was charged with four unearned runs. Caminero and Jansen connected in the fourth, giving Tampa Bay a 7-1 lead. Morel went deep in the seventh. Paul Gervase, a 6-foot-10 prospect, made his major league debut in relief of Pepiot. He pitched two scoreless innings. Key moment Hurter actually retired the first three batters, fanning Lowe and Caminero. But Lowe reached on a third-strike passed ball by Rogers. The Rays proceeded to bat around and score four times, chasing Hurter on Walls' two-run single. Advertisement Key stat The Rays have scored a total of eight first-inning runs over the first two games in the series. Up next Right-hander Casey Mize (7-2, 2.96 ERA) pitches for Detroit on Sunday, and right-hander Zack Littell (6-7, 3.88 ERA) goes for Tampa Bay. ___ AP MLB:
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tigers Fans Ejected, Boos Rain Down After Pirates' Controversial Go-Ahead Run
Tigers Fans Ejected, Boos Rain Down After Pirates' Controversial Go-Ahead Run originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates battled it out on Thursday during a double header at Comerica Park in the Motor City. Advertisement Detroit surged back and tied the game at four runs apiece on a two-run home run by Colt Keith in the bottom of the seventh inning prior to a rain delay in the ninth inning. The Pirates later took a 5-4 10th inning lead on an RBI single by Ke'Bryan Hayes that scored Tommy Pham as part of a controversial play argued by Tigers manager AJ Hinch at home plate. Boos rained down at Comerica Park as tensions rose during the controversial game changing play between the MLB leaders and their National League opponents. Pirates manager Don Kelly (L) speaks with umpire Chris Guccione on Thursday. © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images The play was shown several times by Detroit area networks as fans began to react. Hinch came out to argue the close call after Pham scored, beating a strong throw from right field. Hinch was ejected as tensions continued to flare. Fans had differing opinions on the play. Advertisement "Safe, (Jake) Rogers didn't tag him," one fan said. " shows catcher was too high," another fan added about the attempted tag attempt. "Swiped the arm," another fan said while two other online readers said Pham was out. Tigers fans in attendance became upset as rumors of fan ejections swirled. Reporter Evan Petzold confirmed the situation. The Pirates took an 8-4 lead before shutting the door in the tenth inning. Detroit fell to 48-28 on the season while the Pirates improved to 30-46. Related: Tigers Share Injury News on Starting Pitcher Reese Olson Tuesday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kiner-Falefa has 2-run single in 10th as Pirates beat Tigers 8-4 to earn doubleheader split
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith, right, celebrates his two-run home run with Trey Sweeney against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the seventh inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith slides safely into home plate ahead of the tag by Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis in the fifth inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Pittsburgh Pirates' Jared Triolo (19) celebrates scoring against the Detroit Tigers in the 10th inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Pittsburgh Pirates' Isiah Kiner-Falefa hits a two-run single against the Detroit Tigers in the 10th inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Pittsburgh Pirates' Isiah Kiner-Falefa hits a two-run single against the Detroit Tigers in the 10th inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith, right, celebrates his two-run home run with Trey Sweeney against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the seventh inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith slides safely into home plate ahead of the tag by Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis in the fifth inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Pittsburgh Pirates' Jared Triolo (19) celebrates scoring against the Detroit Tigers in the 10th inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Pittsburgh Pirates' Isiah Kiner-Falefa hits a two-run single against the Detroit Tigers in the 10th inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) DETROIT (AP) — Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a two-run single in a four-run 10th inning, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Detroit Tigers 8-4 for a split of a doubleheader Thursday. The Tigers won the first game 9-2 behind four RBIs from Riley Greene. Advertisement Pinch-hitter Ke'Bryan Hayes led off the 10th with a single to right, scoring pinch-runner Tommy Pham from second. The Tigers challenged the call, and A.J. Hinch was ejected for arguing after the call was upheld. Nick Gonzales singled, and a sacrifice bunt put runners on second and third. An intentional walk to Jared Triolo loaded the bases, and pinch-hitter Joey Bart had an RBI single to make it 6-4. One out later, Kiner-Falefa hit a single to left to bring home two more runs. A group of fans was ejected during the 10th inning after a verbal confrontation with Pham. Pirates ace Paul Skenes allowed two runs and three hits in six innings, walking five and striking out nine. Advertisement Gonzales led off the second with a solo homer off Tigers opener Tyler Holton and Triolo's two-run homer made it 3-0. Andrew McCutchen pushed the Pirates' lead to 4-0 with a solo homer off Keider Montero in the third. Gleyber Torres had a two-run double for the Tigers in the fifth, and Colt Keith had a two-run homer off Isaac Mattson in the seventh to tie the score. Key moment Pittsburgh appeared to get an inning-ending double play in the fifth inning when Trey Sweeney was called for interference against Gonzales on a grounder by Keith. The umpires originally signaled that Sweeney and Keith were both out, but changed the ruling to Sweeney being out, Keith being placed on first and Jake Rogers being returned to second. Torres followed with his two-run double. Advertisement Key stat The game started 30 minutes late, thanks to a 40-minute rain delay in the first game of the doubleheader. Light rain began to fall in the ninth inning of the second game and got heavier in the bottom of the inning, forcing a 75-minute delay with one out. Up next Pirates RHP Mike Burrows (1-1, 4.24 ERA) is scheduled to start against Rangers RHP Jacob deGrom (6-2, 2.19) in the opener of a three-game series at home. Tigers RHP Jack Flaherty (5-7, 4.03) will face Rays RHP Shane Baz (6-3, 4.54) in the opener of a three-game series at Tampa, Fla. ___ AP MLB:
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith on 1st start at third base in MLB career: 'I know I can do it'
BALTIMORE — Colt Keith is officially a starting third baseman in the big leagues. The 23-year-old took the field at the hot corner for the Detroit Tigers for the first time in his MLB career on Wednesday, June 11, against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards — exactly six days after his first taste of third base with one inning as a defensive replacement. He started taking practice reps at third base less than two weeks ago. Advertisement "I know I can do it," Keith said. HOW IT STARTED: Tigers' Colt Keith is going to play third base. Here's what it means Detroit Tigers second baseman Colt Keith throws to first for an out during the 1st inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium, May 2, 2025. Celebrate Father's Day with our new Tigers book! Playing Keith at third base allows the Tigers to start Spencer Torkelson at first base, Gleyber Torres at second base and Kerry Carpenter at designated hitter. Without Keith at third base, one of the aforementioned four players would be forced to sit, or the injury-prone Carpenter — currently managing a right hamstring issue — would have to play right field. Additionally, putting Keith at third base and Carpenter at designated hitter opens the door for Wenceel Pérez (or Matt Vierling, when he returns from injury) to start in right field. Advertisement Third base is Keith's third position at the MLB level. He already plays second base and first base. "I think it'll help me down the road with the Tigers," Keith said before Wednesday's game, "and it'll help me if it's on a different team. Having multiple positions can help me at any point in my career. Adding more positions obviously will help me get in the lineup." Time will tell if Keith is the Tigers' long-term answer at third base. The Tigers haven't featured a primary third baseman since Jeimer Candelario for most of the games from 2018-22. "I don't know," manager A.J. Hinch said, just two hours before Keith's first start in Wednesday's game. "I think he can do it on the front end. Just because he hasn't done it in the big leagues yet doesn't mean he can't do it. Getting him more comfortable in the speed of the game and the different nuances with playing third on occasion, we're going to try it out." Advertisement [ MUST LISTEN: Make "Days of Roar" your go-to Detroit Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ] Keith has experience at third base. The Tigers put Keith at third base after selecting him out of high school in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. At that position, he made 41 starts in 2021, 27 starts in 2022 and 61 starts in 2023 — all at various levels in the minor leagues. Before Wednesday, Keith hadn't started at third base since Aug. 31, 2023, in Triple-A Toledo. It has been 650 days since then. "I think it'll just start with one play, just catching that first one and throwing across the diamond," said Keith, who fielded his first grounder successfully for the final out in the fourth inning Wednesday, helping strand Baltimore runners on the corners. "It's nothing different than second or first. You just got to catch the ball and make the play." Advertisement BAD NEWS: Tigers rookie Jackson Jobe will undergo Tommy John surgery, out for 2025 season One reason why Keith stopped playing third base was because of a right shoulder injury June 9, 2022, in High-A West Michigan. The injury occurred on the bases, when he dove back into first base on a pickoff attempt. He was diagnosed with a labrum injury and missed four months, though he avoided surgery. He also tweaked that same shoulder during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, both while diving for a ball on defense, but he avoided the injured list in those situations. Keith believes his shoulder is healthy enough to play third base after years of maintenance. His arm strength ranks in the 15th percentile among MLB players in 2025. Advertisement "Ever since the injury, I've been doing shoulder programs and things with our trainers," Keith said, "almost after every game since that day. I've been making throws, and it's been getting stronger and stronger over time." The Tigers desperately need improved production from the third-base position, as Tigers third basemen — Zach McKinstry, Andy Ibáñez, Jace Jung, Javier Baez — entered Wednesday's game ranking 29th in MLB with a .580 OPS. Keith has a .712 OPS. He's also hitting .240 with four home runs, 24 walks and 43 strikeouts in 59 games. "Some of it is lineup configurations," Hinch said. "If we want Tork and Gleyber and Colt and Carp and Wenceel and Parker and Riley, when you look at the defensive configuration, it's important for Colt to do this. There's a lot that goes into it — obviously, wanting the best offense combined with a good defense." Advertisement Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@ or follow him @EvanPetzold. Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at Order your copy of 'Roar of 125: The Epic History of the Detroit Tigers!' by the Free Press at This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith makes first third-base start in MLB career
