Detroit Tigers Recall Ben Malgeri From Triple-A, Option Trei Cruz The Detroit Tigers made two roster adjustments on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as they recalled outfielder Ben Malgeri from Triple-A Toledo and optioned utility player Trei Cruz to the minors. The moves came ahead of the team’s second game in a three-game series against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Malgeri, a 26-year-old 18th-round draft pick in 2021, is expected to bolster the lineup against left-handed pitchers, a strength highlighted by his recent performance. Malgeri’s call-up follows a strong 2026 season at the Triple-A level, where he appeared in 65 games. He posted a .298 batting average with nine home runs, 38 walks, and 74 strikeouts while maintaining an .897 OPS. Notably, he excelled against left-handed hurlers, batting .322 with a 1.007 OPS in 79 plate appearances. His versatility across all three outfield positions makes him a valuable asset, though he primarily occupies corner spots. The Tigers’ decision to bring up Malgeri coincided with their need to manage the roster for the upcoming series. The team faced left-handed starters Carlos Rodoń and Ryan Weathers in the next two games, making Malgeri’s experience a key factor. To create space, the Tigers optioned Cruz to the minors and placed right-handed reliever Burch Smith on the 60-day injured list. Cruz, a utility player, had been part of the 26-man roster but was moved to open a spot. This roster shift underscores the Tigers’ strategic approach to balancing depth and competition. Malgeri’s ability to perform against left-handed pitching aligns with the team’s immediate needs, as the Yankees’ rotation features multiple left-handed starters.#detroit_tigers #new_york_yankees #triple_a_toledo #ben_malgeri #trei_cruz
Justin Verlander to Make Another Rehab Start in Triple-A Toledo Justin Verlander will make another rehab start for Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, positioning him to potentially return to the Tigers' rotation the following week at a familiar venue: Houston. The right-hander, who previously pitched for the Mud Hens, will take the mound again to gradually increase his workload as he continues recovery from a left hip injury that kept him sidelined since the end of March. The decision means Verlander will not participate in the Tigers’ upcoming homestand against the Twins, with the team opting to maintain its current four-man rotation for the series. Troy Melton, Framber Valdez, and Keider Montero will be the primary starters, while Verlander will instead face the St. Paul Saints, the Triple-A affiliate of the Twins, in a six-game series beginning Tuesday night at Fifth Third Field. The Tigers’ schedule will shift to a three-game weekend series in Cleveland starting June 15, a critical opportunity to bolster their chances of climbing back into the division race. Tarik Skubal, who recently threw five scoreless innings in a rehab start at High-A West Michigan, is expected to return for that series. Casey Mize, meanwhile, is set to make a rehab start on Tuesday for Single-A Lakeland at Clearwater, potentially joining Skubal in the rotation. Verlander’s return timeline remains tied to his progress in Triple-A, with the Tigers planning to evaluate his readiness for a big-league assignment. Verlander’s potential return to Comerica Park could coincide with a three-game series against the Astros at Daikin Park, starting June 15. The Astros may bring Hunter Brown, Verlander’s former teammate and Detroit native, back from the injured list during that series, adding a layer of intrigue to the matchup.#framber_valdez #justin_verlander #triple_a_toledo #troy_melton #keider_montero
