In a move that surprises no one, the Detroit Tigers have sent three of their young prospects from the Major League camp over to their Minor League one. First-round draft pick Alex Faedo, infielder Sergio Alcantara, and pitcher Paul Voelker were all sent to Minor League camp this morning.
Prior to today’s game, the Tigers have reassigned RHP’s Víctor Alcàntara, Alex Faedo and Paul Voelker to Minor League camp. The Tigers have 59 players remaining in Major League camp.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) March 3, 2018
Faedo was the Tigers first round pick during the 2017 season. Seeing his first game action since last year’s College World Series, where he helped lead the Florida Gators to the promise land, Faedo threw one inning in Major League camp, giving up one hit and one run. He is one of the major lynchpins of the Tigers future, though this move is none too surprising.
Sergio Alcantara was the part of the J.D. Martinez trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Touted more for his glove than his bat, he faired well this spring slashing .364/.385/.364, collecting four hits in 11 at-bats, and driving in four runs. The 21-year-old infielder, if he continues to hit at this clip, will fit in nicely once Jose Iglesias moves on.
Sergio Alcantara is among @MLBPipeline's Top-30 #Tigers Prospects and his glove is a big reason why. #TigersST https://t.co/UxQpqdWh7T
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 28, 2018
Paul Voelker is a 25-year-old pitcher that saw 3.1 innings worth of action this Spring Training. He gave up six hits and three runs (two earned), along with three strikeouts in his action this spring. He is part of the number of arms the Tigers have at the lower levels that could factor into the next season or twos worth of work.
There is no doubt that each of these guys are “future” type players and their inclusion into the Major League camp was simply a measure to “get their feet wet.” No one should read into their demotion — if you could even call it that — as they will start the season in the minor leagues to develop and get used to the professional baseball life. More cuts will come soon, some as early in the upcoming week.