Writer: Gage O'Leary
Twitter: @Deep_Shot_Gage
Twitter: @DeepShotSports
Akil Baddoo returning to Tigers lineup:
He's baaaaaaaaack. 2021 breakout star Akil Baddoo is infact returning to the Detroit Tigers lineup, this was announced shortly after the Tigers 7-3 loss against the Royals in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader. He's been absent from Detroit's lineup since being called down to AAA-Toledo after the May 8th game vs the Houston Astros. Akil Baddoo had been struggling, batting just .140, with one Homerun, 2 RBI's, a SB and an OPS of .438... Baddoo was just getting his feet wet in Triple-A before an injury temporarily had him sidelined. Before getting drafted in the Rule-5 draft by Detroit, Baddoo only played A-Ball level in the Minor Leagues, so the trip down was the first time he experienced Triple-A baseball. With the Mudhens Baddoo batted .275, had 3 HR's, 15 RBI's, 7 SB's and an 838 OPS. At just 23 Baddoo still hasn't showed his full potential and it's certainly exciting news that he's returning, but it comes at the expense of Kody Clemens who despite playing pretty well of late was the corresponding move and he's set to return to the Mudhens lineup...
Kody Clemens optioned to Triple-A Toledo:
Kody Clemens has been living a dream he's had since watching his father Roger Clemens toe the rubber for many years. He made his Major League debut on May 31st, and despite it taking over 20 AB's to get his first Major League hit, Clemens has been playing rather well. Clemens departs with a .161 Batting Average, 3 HR's (Tied with Miguel Cabrera for 7th best on the team) 8 RBI's, 1 SB and a .577 OPS... With Kody Clemens versatility I'm confident we haven't seen the last of him wearing the Old English D!
What does Baddoo bring back to the Tigers lineup:
Injuries have killed the Tigers this season and although Akil Baddoo didn't get injuried at the big league level, his absence was felt and the injury sustained in Triple-A definitely impacted how quick he'd return. Baddoo bursted onto the scene last year after having an incredible week statistically. His 2022 stats look like this, .259 Batting Average, 13 HR's, 55 RBI's, 18 SB's and a .766 OPS... It's a relief to have him back, it brings a little normality back after Detroit has lost so many key piece's this season. It's also big news since today it was announced that Austin Meadows won't return until after the All-Star break, he'll be sent down to Lakeland to slow down his rehab. We'll see if Baddoo can provide a spark that's needed for this Tigers offense and if he can return to being the hitter we expect him to be...
Thanks for reading!
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