Derek Hill Has Next | Detroit Tigers MLBbro On The Rise

The Detroit Tigers have been seriously affected by the injury bug and scrambling around trying to find a consistent outfield throughout the 2021 season. They might have finally found a winner in MLBbro Derek Hill. 

On June 4th, outfielder Victor Reyes was put on the 10-day Injured List with a left intercostal strain.

With Reyes out, the Tigers were in search of a player to call up. They called up a player from the Toledo Mud Hens who has been dominating this season.

Enter Hill. 

 

 

With the numbers that Hill has put up this season in the minors, it was hard for the Tigers not to call him up.

Check out these stats.

Through 21 games with the Mud Hens, he posted a .355 batting average and is a top defensive player in the Tigers farm system.

It was a no-brainer for Tigers’ general manager AJ Hinch to bring Hill up to the team.

“Very easy (decision),” Hinch told the Detroit Free Press. “We had a couple of options. JaCoby (Jones) is down there on the roster. Daz Cameron is playing very well. And then Derek has really outperformed everybody. We’ve seen Derek a couple of times up here. I’m really glad that he gets a chance to stick up here.”

Entering Tuesday’s breakout game, Hill was 1-for-9 at the plate, before breaking out with two hits in three at-bats, an RBI, and a stolen base. It was a great example of his all-around ability and potential as an everyday player. 

The 25-year-old has impressed a lot of people throughout the Tigers’ organization and there’s a reason he got the call-up.

Now he just needs to perform on the big stage and prove that he belongs. He certainly has the skill set to do that.

If Hill can put together a few games like the multi-hit gem he produced on Tuesday, there will be a good chance the Tigers keep him around throughout the season.

 

 

Hinch gave a lot of credit to Hill’s offensive approach, which is something very good in Hill’s case.

“He’s not in the mode of trying to hit the ball in the air a ton, but he’s also just not content touching the ball and hitting the ball on the ground,” Hinch said. “The line-drive stroke, combined with the knowledge of a ball from a strike, has created some offensive opportunities for him. I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to do that.”

Hill has spent seven seasons in the minors and this season is arguably his best one. Throughout his minor league career he’s batting .248, with 25 home runs and 180 RBIs.

The Tigers selected Hill with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2014 draft. 

Our MLBbro can get it done at the plate and in the field and he can become a valuable asset to the Tigers this season and in the future. 

Pay close attention to Hill this season ladies and gentlemen and don’t be surprised if he has a few more breakout games.