Finding a rhythm at High-A, Tigers' 2024 first-rounder mashes go-ahead HR
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After a slow month of May, things have finally begun to click for Bryce Rainer these past two weeks at High-A.
The Tigers' No. 2 prospect played the role of hero in West Michigan’s 8-6 win over Lake County at Classic Auto Group Park, swatting a go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the ninth to headline his 2-for-5 day at the dish.
The night started slow for MLB’s No. 43 prospect, as he went hitless in his first three at-bats. However, Rainer began shaking the rust off in the top of the seventh. After falling behind 1-2 to left-hander Izaak Martinez (Guardians), Rainer stayed on a two-strike fastball and lined a double at 105 mph (per the in-stadium Trackman) off the wall in left.
Producing loud contact has never been an issue for Rainer, the club's first-round pick in 2024. A season ago, he logged a 107.9 mph 90th-percentile exit velocity during his time with Single-A Lakeland, which, comparatively, is in the same range as perennial big-league power threats like Juan Soto and Corey Seager. Back on April 10, Rainer obliterated a 116.2 mph, 477-foot homer for the Flying Tigers, still the furthest hit ball in the Florida State League during the current campaign.
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In the top of the ninth, with the game tied and the go-ahead run standing on second, Rainer strolled to the dish. The Simi Valley, Calif., native fell into another two-strike hole, but didn't give in. Down 1-2, Rainer got a fastball on the outer third and went with it, showcasing his 60-grade power and lasering a go-ahead two-run shot over the wall in center.
The pair of knocks against the southpaw Martinez is encouraging for Rainer, who has struggled mightily against left-handers this season. Entering Friday, he was hitting just .150 with two extra-base hits against southpaws.
Rainer's performance on Friday also continued what’s been a solid stretch for the 20-year-old. Over his past 11 games, he’s 12-for-41 (.293) with six extra-base hits and a .925 OPS. Along with encouraging power numbers, Rainer continues to work walks, drawing seven free passes in that same span.