A new player has joined the Detroit Tigers.
Outfielder Ben Malgeri – an 18th round pick in the 2021 draft – has been called up from Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, June 23, for the second of three games in the series against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. The 26-year-old has a track record of success against left-handed pitchers.
The Tigers had to make two corresponding roster moves, optioning utility player Trei Cruz to open a spot on the 26-man roster and transferring right-handed reliever Burch Smith to the 60-day injured list to create space on the 40-man roster.
In 2026, Malgeri has played 65 games at the Triple-A level.
He hit .298 with nine home runs, 38 walks, 74 strikeouts and an .897 OPS – and more notably, he produced a .322 batting average with a 1.007 OPS in 79 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers. He has experience at all three outfield positions, but he primarily plays the corner spots.
The Tigers face left-handers Carlos Rodón and Ryan Weathers on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, to conclude the three-game series against the Yankees.
This story will be updated.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers call up Ben Malgeri from Triple-A ; Trei Cruz sent down
