Well, that’s one way to make an impression on your new team!
Detroit Tigers prospect Riley Greene, who made his debut with Detroit’s single-a affiliate West Michigan Whitecaps last night, found himself featured on SportsCenter’s top ten plays – not just once, but twice.
The first play that landed on the highlight reel was a diving catch in right center field in the eighth inning, just short of the warning track. His catch robbed what would have certainly been an extra base hit.
The second play that landed him on the highlight reel was a dramatic inside the park home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The Whitecaps ultimately lost the game 9-6, but Greene definitely made an impact in his first game since being promoted.
A newcomer to professional baseball, Greene is already no stranger to big games. In his first professional game after being drafted with the Gulf Coast League Tigers, Detroit’s rookie-level affiliation, Greene mashed two home runs, including a grand slam.
The Tigers only needed to see him play nine games at that level before giving him a promotion. In those nine games, he batted .351 with two home runs and eight RBIs. He did strike out 12 times in only 37 at bats, but when he does make contact, it seems to be hard contact.
After being drafted by the Tigers, Greene made quite an impact on Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera during a batting practice session at Comerica Park back in June, as well. His first batting practice session went so well, in fact, that Miggy told the front office members watching him to “leave him here, we need him!”.
If his first game with the Whitecaps was any indication, it seems that it will certainly be a lot of fun to cover Greene’s progress through the minor leagues!
