Tigers to Call up Top Catching Prospect Jake Rogers
By Mark Powell
Despite an abysmal season thus far, Detroit Tigers fans finally have something to get excited about.
The Tigers strategy is clearly the long-play, tanking and accumulating as many prospects as possible with the hopes of contending by 2021 or 2022. Finally, fans might see some of the dividends.
Jake Rogers is considered one of the best defensive catchers in the minor leagues. His approach at the dish still needs some work, but the 24-year-old is hitting .250 combined at Double-A and Triple-A. Detroit couldn't push his promotion to the bigs down the road any longer.
Mud Hens manager Doug Mientkiewicz confirmed that catcher Jake Rogers has been called up to the Detroit Tigers and will join the club tomorrow.
— Brian Buckey (@BrianBuckey) July 30, 2019
Rogers could immediately step into the starting catcher's role, as Detroit only has one active player on the roster who can play the position in John Hicks. For the veteran Hicks, that's not necessarily his best defensive position, and Rogers would serve as an immediate upgrade with the pitching staff.
Despite being ranked just the No. 13 player in Detroit's farm system, he's considered one of the most MLB-ready. Rogers was initially acquired in the Justin Verlander trade.
Over the weekend, the Tigers put Bobby Wilson on waivers; Jake Rogers’ promotion to the Major Leagues appears imminent: https://t.co/augnZLOsE0
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) July 29, 2019
As the Tigers look to avoid a historic level of mediocrity, Rogers could be a vital cog in their future and present.