Tigers' Fireballing Rookie To Make Debut

He was only a 26th-round pick, but Garrett Hill has been burning his way through the Detroit Tigers' minor league system with a mix of pitches that are resulting in spectacular strikeout numbers. He'll now get to take his fireworks to The Show on July 4th, making his major league debut.

Hill struck out a ridiculous 14.6 batters per 9 innings in seven starts at Double-A this season, then backed that up with 11 K/9  in  8 starts at Triple-A. Overall, he's sporting a 3.23 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP across those two levels this season. The 26-year-old will be starting one game of the Tigers' July 4th doubleheader with the Cleveland Guardians.

Garrett Hill will make his MLB debut as Tigers starter for Game 1 of Monday’s doubleheader vs. Cleveland. He’ll make at least 3 turns in rotation before Tigers reassess their pitching situation at All-Star break.

— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 3, 2022

"I couldn't believe it. Time stopped," said Hill went told of his call up. "I was holding back emotions. That's what you want as a little kid, to eventually get to the big leagues. That's the dream. Now, the goal is to stay here."  

According to mlb.com's prospects report, "Hill’s fastball sits in the low 90s, but he has an assortment of breaking balls to go with a nasty splitter."  He's allowed only 15 home runs in over 300 minor league innings. 

Right-hander Rony Garcia has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder soreness to make room for Hill on the major league roster. Matt Manning has been transferred to the 60-day IL to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

Photo Credit: USA TODAY NETWORK