Tigers recall 1B Spencer Torkelson from Triple-A

Field Level Media|published: Sat 17th August, 11:32 2024

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Detroit Tigers

May 24, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) looks on from the dugout after the Detroit Tigers win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers recalled Spencer Torkelson from Triple-A Toledo on Saturday morning.

Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 MLB Draft, is expected to be with the team for Saturday's home game against the New York Yankees.

The Tigers optioned Torkelson to Toledo on June 2 after 54 games, despite the promise he showed last season.

While Torkelson hit only .233 in 2023, he smashed 31 home runs and drove in 94 in 159 games.

In the first 54 games this season, Torkelson -- who turns 25 on Aug. 26 -- hit .201 with four homers and 18 RBIs. He struck out 56 times.

At Toledo, the first baseman hit .239 with 11 home runs, 43 home runs and a .799 OPS in 58 games. His OPS with the Tigers earlier this season was .597.

Late Friday, the Tigers optioned first baseman/outfielder Bligh Madris, 28, to Toledo, making room for Torkelson.

In 21 games with Detroit, Madris hit .269 with one home run and five RBIs.

The recall of Torkelson followed a busy day of transactions on Friday.

They selected infielders Jace Jung and Trey Sweeney from Toledo, optioned outfielder Akil Baddoo to Toledo, and designated left-hander Easton Lucas and infielder Gio Urshela for assignment.

--Field Level Media