It’s been five years since the Detroit Tigers selected pitcher Matt Manning with the 9th overall selection of the 2016 MLB Draft. Right now, he’s in Lakeland, Fl., throwing full bullpens.
Today happens to be his 23rd birthday, but he’s looking to the future. And as the No. 2 prospect in the organization, he’s got some pretty lofty goals in mind.
“It was difficult,” Manning explained of his recovery from a strained forearm. “It actually might have been a blessing for me. I moved some things around with my mechanics and was able to clean up my arm path.”
“I’ve done more this offseason than I ever have before,” Manning said. “I’m ready to go. Every day has been very focused. I have one goal, and it’s to get to the big leagues, and (then) pitch well there and win a World Series.”
Manning was left behind at the team training site in August as fellow prospects Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal earned call ups to the big club.
“It felt like a piece was missing,” Manning said. “I hope that’s how they feel. I know they’re having fun, but when we’re together, all three of us and with Alex (Faedo), we all feel comfortable. We’re all happy.”
Of course, had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic, he may have indeed made his Major League debut last year.
“It was a weird year for everyone,” he said. “If circumstances were different, I might’ve got a call-up and got my feet wet. But everyone went through it and it affected everyone differently. I am just looking forward.”
After successful play in the minors, he’s all but guaranteed to finally reach the Majors this year.
“I do want all the young pitching to be in the big leagues,” Hinch said. “I want the young position players to get the at-bats that are needed for us to evaluate. But this is an accountability league, where you got to play well to stay here.
“This is not just a team you can come to and fill out a roster. That’s not how we’re going to operate.”
– – Quotes via Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press Link – –
