UPDATE: The news is now official per tonight’s game notes. Sardinha has not been removed from the 25 man roster. The Tigers had an extra spot when they DL’d Willis and they haven’t formally recalled Figaro yet.
Detroit Tiger Tales has the scoop that Dusty Ryan has been called up to join the Tigers. The guess is that this is in place of Dane Sardinha who has been beyond brutal at the plate. This move is probably at least 2 weeks overdue.
Ryan is hitting 259/374/442 for Toledo. He will strike out a lot and his numbers likely won’t look as good in Detroit, but he should still be a substantial offensive upgrade over 097/091/129.
Sardinha is regarded as a good defender, but Ryan is as well despite a spate of wild pitches at the end of last season. Sardinha only threw out 2 of the 10 runners against him this year.
The move may make it easier to rest Laird periodically. One of the reasons for keeping Ryan in the minors was to get him everyday experience. He’s had half a season of that now and should be starting twice a week going forward. Plus, with the emergence of Alex Avila there is less pressure for Ryan to be “the catcher of the future.” Laird probably needs the rest. He’s only had one season as the full time catcher which coincided with his worst offensive season.
OK, but when Figaro comes then the pineapple gets sent down? So we are carrying 3 catchers for one game, none of which can play any other position (that I’m aware of).
Strange. But it’s progress, I suppose.
Sure. But, for one game, it’s one more warm body that you can put in as a pinch-hitter that you won’t have available once Figaro is up. (Admittedly, the logic would have extended a bit further if in an NL park). Then again, you’d have to be in a heckuva “pinch” to sub in a guy whose OPS is barely above the Mendoza line.
Woo hoo! Finally, they are listening to me! Okay, maybe not, but this is great.
Very good to hear, it’s hard obviously when you’re sending up a player who is producing inferior numbers to that of your average pitcher. A replacement level line would look good in comparison and hopefully Ryan can produce that.
Bora is certainly letting the Tigers have it on the benching of Magglio, and I think he has a legitmate case. I understand giving Maggs a few days off, but I really don’t think they can try to bench the guy for significant time for the remainder of the season.
Good.
This is the 2nd best news I’ve heard all week. The 1st being the Leyland extension.
I asked for this before the road trip, and I’m happy to see it happen. Now, the question is… Why didn’t they do it before the trip? Geez… Would have been worth a couple hits and maybe a walk or two.
The Pineapple will have an important role working with the young pitchers at AAA. That’s where he’s most valuable to this organization, and I’m glad we’ve got him. But he’s just not a big league hitter.
So he’s Crash Davis without all the home runs.
Good Luck Crash …………..