Let’s face it, the 2017 season has been an absolute disaster for the Detroit Tigers, leaving fans scrambling for a good reason to continue following the team.
Well, one reason to continue following is a pitcher who could make his Major League Baseball debut on Thursday against the hated New York Yankees. But the pitcher is likely a player casual Tigers fans have probably never heard of.
Until now.
On Wednesday night, Zac Reininger, a 24-year-old ‘flame-throwing’ reliever was notified he would be joining the Tigers for their series finale against the Yankees.
The #Tigers optioned LHP Chad Bell to Triple-A Toledo. RHP Zac Reininger will have his contract selected from Toledo before Thursday's game.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 24, 2017
It’s a move that very few, if any at all, expected to happen this season as Reininger began the year in Class A Lakeland before moving up to Double-A Erie and then to Triple-A Toledo before getting the call to ‘The Show.”
“It’s surreal,” he said. “I honestly didn’t expect it to happen this quick, but I’m glad it did and I feel like I’m ready to be here.”
Reininger has moved quickly through the Tigers farm system this season because of his ability to dominate minor league hitters with his outstanding repertoire of pitches, including a fastball that reportedly touches 98 mph.
https://twitter.com/HookSlide23/status/900766368601124869
Mud Hens catcher Bryan Holaday has had the chance to see Reininger up close and personal during his stint in Toledo and he seems extremely impressed. He specifically mentioned that the young reliever has three “good” off-speed pitches and “the sky’s the limit” for him.
Bryan Holaday on Reininger Monday in Toledo: "His fastball is up to 98 and he locates really well. He's got three good offspeed pitches."
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) August 24, 2017
More Holaday on Reininger: "I think the sky's the limit for him. He's outstanding. He's a really good kid and a really good pitcher."
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) August 24, 2017
In 42 minor league appearances this season, Reininger has posted a 2.54 ERA while holding opposing batters to a very impressive .193 average.
Whether or not Reininger will be the next great Tigers flamethrower or just the next flamethrower to fizzle out on the big stage is yet to be determined.
But it sure is a good reason for fans to keep paying attention to a team that has seemed to have cashed in their chips.
H/T to MLive for quotes.
