After struggling in the big leagues, a mental and physical reset with the Mud Hens might be what Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson needs.
The Tigers’ decision to demote their once-promising prospect wasn’t solely based on developmental concerns. After excelling in Triple-A for two seasons, Justyn-Henry Malloy will now get his chance in the majors.
The Detroit Tigers will call up Malloy from Triple-A Toledo before Monday night’s game against the Rangers in Arlington, Texas, as first reported by the Detroit Free Press. Malloy announced his promotion on Instagram, where teammates and at least one coach celebrated the news.
The Free Press also reported that first baseman Spencer Torkelson would be optioned to Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move. The Tigers have not yet confirmed the moves and are unlikely to do so until Monday afternoon.
Torkelson is currently in a slump, going 3-for-37 in his last 10 games, with all three hits coming in one game. He has not played in two of the Tigers’ last three games.
Malloy, 24, was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in the Joe Jimenez trade 18 months ago. He has been one of the Mud Hens’ top hitters over the past two seasons. After playing mainly as a third baseman in 2023, Malloy has been exclusively a corner outfielder in 2024.
If Malloy replaces Torkelson on the roster, outfielders Mark Canha and Matt Vierling are likely to play more at first base, giving Malloy more outfield playing time. Malloy could also serve as a semi-regular designated hitter, with slugger Kerry Carpenter out since last week due to a back injury. Carpenter might miss a significant part of the summer with a lower back stress fracture, which is a major setback for the Tigers’ already struggling offense.
Malloy is known for his hitting, even though his defensive position has sometimes been uncertain. His plate discipline has led to impressive on-base numbers in Triple-A, earning admiration from his teammates. Malloy has drawn 149 walks in 805 plate appearances with Toledo, an 18.5 percent walk rate, though he strikes out about 25 percent of the time.
The right-handed hitter is batting .255 with an .889 OPS in 44 games this season, with 15 doubles and six home runs.
Torkelson, 24, was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 draft. After an inconsistent rookie year in 2022 and a slow start in 2023, he seemed to find his stride late last summer, posting an .842 OPS and hitting 23 home runs in the second half of the season. His 31 homers overall were tied for eighth-most in the American League, the most by a Tigers player since Miguel Cabrera (38) and Justin Upton (31) in 2016.
The Tigers hoped for a full season of consistency from Torkelson, as did he. “For me, it’s hard to be super-happy, like I’ve made it,” he said in spring training. “I thought it was a good year, but it’s nowhere near what I believe I’m capable of.”
However, Torkelson struggled offensively and defensively in 2024. At the time of his demotion, he was hitting .201 with a .597 OPS (69 OPS+), with four home runs and 15 doubles in 230 plate appearances.
The Tigers might move Carpenter to the 60-day injured list to create a roster spot for Malloy. If not, they might designate someone for assignment, with recently acquired lefty Easton Lucas, claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, being the most likely candidate.
