Here's the Tigers' Spring Breakout roster
Jason Beck
@beckjasonThe Tigers will look for their second consecutive Spring Breakout win when they send many of their top prospects -- including five of MLB Pipeline¡¯s Top 100 -- to North Port, Fla. to face the Braves. Like last year, they¡¯ll be led by Hall of Famer Alan Trammell, who will serve as the manager.
Here¡¯s what you need to know about the annual showcase event:
What is Spring Breakout?
MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event showcasing baseball¡¯s future: the current stars of Minor League Baseball. The second edition will be held from March 13-16 at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums during Spring Training. Sixteen exhibition games will be played between teams comprised of each MLB organization¡¯s top prospects, creating a new touchpoint on the baseball calendar that celebrates the sport¡¯s budding talent.
When is the Tigers¡¯ game?
March 16 at 4:05 p.m. ET
Which position prospects are expected to play?
Six of the Tigers¡¯ top seven position prospects are on the roster, including five of MLB Pipeline¡¯s Top 100 prospects: Outfielder Max Clark (No. 6), middle infielder Kevin McGonigle (No. 28), shortstop Bryce Rainer (No. 52), catcher Thayron Liranzo (No. 81) and slugging first baseman/catcher Josue Brice?o (No. 94). Brice?o drew a following in the offseason by winning the first Triple Crown in Arizona Fall League history, earning league MVP honors in the process.
Which pitching prospects are expected to play?
The Tigers¡¯ pitching staff is loaded, led by No. 9 prospect and reigning Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Year Jaden Hamm and No. 13 prospect Troy Melton. High-strikeout swingman Jake Miller (No. 18), who opened eyes during the Arizona Fall League, will take part, as will Trade Deadline acquisition Joseph Montalvo (No. 20).
Two intriguing pitchers from last summer¡¯s MLB Draft, right-handers Josh Randall (No. 19) and Michael Massey (No. 21), are on the roster with a chance to give Tigers fans their first look at the two in the pros. Unranked prospect RJ Petit, the Double-A Erie reliever who towers on the mound at 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, is also in the group.
Why are certain top prospects not on the roster?
Top prospect Jackson Jobe -- Pipeline's No. 5 overall -- isn¡¯t taking part because he¡¯s in Major League camp competing for a spot in Detroit¡¯s rotation. Likewise, No. 7 prospect Jace Jung and No. 11 prospect Trey Sweeney are battling for big league roster spots at third base and shortstop, respectively, as is No. 15 prospect Ty Madden as a pitcher.
No. 10 prospect Cris Rodriguez just joined the organization after signing in January during the international signing period. Owen Hall (No. 12 prospect), Ethan Schiefelbein (No. 16) and Zach Swanson (No. 26) were drafted last summer out of high school and are expected to begin pitching as pros later this season.
What is the full roster?
CATCHERS
Thayron Liranzo, C/1B, No. 5 (MLB No. 81)
Enrique Jimenez, C, No. 17
INFIELDERS
Kevin McGonigle, SS/2B, No. 3 (MLB No. 28)
Bryce Rainer, SS, No. 4 (MLB No. 52)
Josue Briceno, 1B/C, No. 6 (MLB No. 94)
Hao-Yu Lee, 2B, No. 8
Franyerber Montilla, INF, No. 14
Max Anderson, 2B, No. 24
Carson Rucker, SS/3B, No. 25
Jake Holton, 1B, NR
John Peck, SS, NR