Max Clark set for Detroit Tigers call-up
Top prospect Max Clark called up by Tigers — .276/.802, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 21 SB; set to debut Friday vs. A’s.
Sacramento, Calif. — Kevin McGonigle remembers sending Max Clark a text on draft night in 2023.
“I just told him, I look forward to playing with you for a long time and sharing the biggest stage with him,” McGonigle said. “And now it’s here.”
Clark, the Tigers’ No. 1 ranked prospect, had his contract selected from Triple-A Toledo Friday and there he was, making his big-league debut, starting in centerfield and batting seventh against the Athletics.
“I’m super excited to share the field with him again,” McGonigle said. “It feels like it’s been forever, even though it was just since spring training. But what a year he’s been having. I’m excited for him to bring it to the big leagues.”
Clark, who per Tigers’ policy would address the media after the game, replaces outfielder Matt Vierling, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with an adductor strain. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the club designated right-handed pitcher Andre Granillo for assignment.
“He was killing it in Triple-A,” manager AJ Hinch said. “He’s had one of the most impressive Julys in Toledo. Obviously, the injury to Vierling opens a spot on our roster and he’s the best-suited to help us.”
Clark has had eight multiple-hit games, slugged five homers and was slashing .338/.466/.620 in July before getting the call.
“We’ve been watching his development all season,” Hinch said. “And step by step, he’s really earned it. There’s not much more that he needs to do in Triple-A to show he’s ready. Now we are going to give him his next challenge, which is the big leagues. I’m proud of him for the things he addressed throughout the year and for being able to put together the July he’s had and force his way here.”
Hinch said Clark will play regularly in centerfield, regardless of left-handed starters (like Friday) or right-handed starters. Javier Baez will move back into the infield. James Outman will be an extra outfielder and play more often in the corner outfield spots.
“This will change the configuration of how we use our guys,” Hinch said. “Moving Javy back to infield is not a problem. He’s a really gifted outfielder.”
How Hinch juggles playing time with Baez, Colt Keith, Gleyber Torres and Zach McKinstry in the infield remains to be seen.
“Max is a very gifted athlete,” Hinch said. “He works hard. He’s meticulous with his prep and he’ll be all over the positioning and he’s going to sellout and make a lot of great plays. But reps are what guys need to get better. He needed time in in the minor leagues to challenge him and allow him to fail and allow him to learn and grow. And that’s going to continue.
“He’s by no means a finished product. But he is an advanced product who has performed his way to get to the big leagues. We trust him to make the plays he’s supposed to make.”
Had the Tigers waited until Aug. 14, Clark could have finished the final six weeks of the season on the active roster and not lost his rookie status for 2027. That would’ve kept him eligible for MLB’s Prospect Promotion Incentive.
If Clark came back as a rookie, played the full season and won the Rookie of the Year Award, as McGonigle is doing so far this season, the Tigers would gain a draft pick.
“That is a question for Scott (Harris, president),” Hinch said. “I don’t know anything about that stuff. That’s not on my radar. His play on the field is what I was laser-focused on. I know he can help us.”
Here’s the full list of transactions the Tigers made before the game Friday.
▶ Selected the contract of centerfielder Max Clark from Triple-A Toledo. Clark will make his MLB debut in center field and will bat seventh in the order.
▶ Placed outfielder Matt Vierling on the 10-day injured list (adductor strain).
▶ Called up left-handed pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus
▶ Optioned right-handed pitcher Brenan Hanifee.
▶ Designated right-handed pitcher Andre Granillo for assignment.
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