Here are three observations from the Detroit Tigers Summer Camp:
Christin Stewart Is Hitting
Honestly, this headline is probably the most pleasing one to Tigers fans. After Stewart was able to hit very well at all stops in the minors, he has been very disappointing at the major league level. In his last seven intrasquad game at bats, Stewart has five hits including two homers. Obviously, you take this with a grain of sand considering Stewart struggled in spring training before the COVID -19 outbreak. Hopefully Stewart hitting continues to improve so he can live up to the hype.
Hittin’ Harold Continues To Hit
Harold Castro is a very underrated prospect not only the national media, but even local media here in Detroit. The minor league stud hit .291 last year as a rookie and still nobody talks about him. Now Castro wont hit for power, but he’s a great contact hitter. In just three (4/5 innings) intrasquad game Harold Castro has six hits. Now again you take this and run with it, but Castro could surely see some major playing time this up coming season and if he can walk a little more and add some power to his skill set, he may even become a key piece in the Tigers rebuild.
Young Pitching Prospects Have Been Good and Bad
The impact pitchers many will focus throughout the summer season are Casey Mize and Matt Manning. Both pitched recently in camp and the difference was day and night between the two. Mize was utterly amazing. In 2 1/3, Mize allowed no hits and struck out two batters, including a three pitch at bat against Miguel Cabrera. When Tigers manager, Ron Gardenhire was asked about Mize’s performance he responded with “my goodness gracious”. Obviously Gardenhire was very impressed with the 23 year-old. Matt Manning, on the other hand, was a bit of a disaster. He walked three batters in a row right after giving up two base hits. as of right now, Mize looks like the stronger, more polished prospect.
Image: Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports
