Tigers Call Up Max Clark, Scratch Casey Mize Before MLB Trade Deadline

The Detroit Tigers promoted 2023 third-overall pick Max Clark to the majors for Friday's series opener against the Athletics.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Detroit Tigers officially promoted 21-year-old outfield prospect Max Clark from Triple-A Toledo on Friday, immediately inserting him into the starting lineup batting seventh and playing center field against the Athletics. In his first career plate appearance, the 2023 third-overall pick drew a walk before recording his first MLB hit on a soft single to left field in his subsequent at-bat. To facilitate the move, Detroit placed outfielder Matt Vierling on the 10-day injured list with a left adductor strain and designated right-hander Andre Granillo for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot.

Simultaneously, the Tigers scratched scheduled starter Casey Mize from his Friday outing, pushing his next appearance to Tuesday in Seattle. Mize, who is 4-6 with a 2.70 ERA across 16 starts this season, is eligible for free agency following the World Series. The right-hander has dealt with a groin injury this year but declared himself healthy, noting that the front office instructed manager A.J. Hinch to delay his start until after Monday's trade deadline.

Statistical Rise of Max Clark and Kevin McGonigle

Clark arrived in the big leagues after hitting .276 with 11 home runs, 42 RBIs, and an 0.802 OPS for the Toledo Mud Hens. Manager A.J. Hinch cited an impressive July performance as the catalyst for the call-up, noting that the prospect had addressed specific developmental goals throughout the season. Clark was selected out of high school in the 2023 amateur draft, and his arrival marks the presence of Detroit's top two picks from that class on the active roster.

Shortstop Kevin McGonigle, the 37th overall selection in that same draft, is currently the favorite for the American League Rookie of the Year award. McGonigle represented the team at the All-Star Game on July 14 and currently maintains a .285 batting average. His season totals include nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and an 0.806 OPS. While Clark is viewed as a long-term building block in center field, the team enters the final series before the deadline with a 51-58 record, sitting 4½ games back of a wild-card position.

Trade Deadline Uncertainty for Skubal and Mize

Beyond Mize, the Tigers face questions regarding two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. The 29-year-old left-hander is earning a record $32 million arbitration salary after the team initially offered $19 million. Skubal is expected to sign a significant contract this offseason when he becomes a free agent. Through 96⅔ innings this year, Skubal has posted a 7-5 record with a 2.79 ERA and 116 strikeouts. Despite trade rumors, Skubal expressed a preference to remain in Detroit to pursue a World Series title, a feat the club has not achieved since 1984.

Casey Mize described his current status as being "in limbo" after having the ball taken out of his hands for the series opener. He indicated that if no trade occurs over the weekend, he expects to take the mound on Tuesday. The Tigers' rotation management comes as the front office evaluates the roster before the Monday deadline.

Roster Transactions and Injury Updates

In addition to the Clark and Vierling moves, Detroit recalled left-hander Enmanuel De Jesus from Toledo and optioned right-hander Brenan Hanifee back to Triple-A. The injury report also confirmed that right-hander Will Vest underwent surgery this week to repair a stress fracture in his elbow. Vest is scheduled for a second procedure on his hip and will remain sidelined for the remainder of the season. Matt Vierling’s adductor strain is expected to keep him out longer than the minimum 10-day stint on the injured list.