Candelario on IL again with thumb sprain
Tigers recall Lugo, Hall from Triple-A Toledo for twin bill
DETROIT -- For the second time this season, Jeimer Candelario has landed on the injured list, due to a left thumb sprain he suffered on a swing Sunday in Texas. The Tigers placed their corner infielder on the 10-day IL on Tuesday afternoon before their 5-3 loss to the White Sox in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.
“His hand's not good,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. “It's not broken or anything, but he's definitely not going to be available. It's gonna be a while.”
Candelario did not play in Monday’s series opener against the White Sox, and his thumb was heavily wrapped after the game. X-rays were negative. Though Candelario was hopeful he might miss just a few days, Gardenhire was already thinking about an IL stint rather than playing short-handed amidst a stretch of 11 games in 10 days.
“He couldn’t swing at all with his thumb,” Gardenhire said after Monday’s 7-4 loss.
To fill Candelario’s spot, the Tigers recalled third baseman Dawel Lugo from Triple-A Toledo. The 24-year-old made the trip up Interstate 75 on Tuesday morning with a .207 (17-for-82) average and a .550 OPS over 28 games for Detroit this season, but a .333 (94-for-282) clip and a .859 OPS for the Mud Hens. He batted .327 (51-for-156) with an .856 OPS in Toledo over 36 games since his last Tigers stint in late June, capped by a four-hit, three-RBI game Sunday.
The Tigers also called up left-hander Matt Hall from the Mud Hens to serve as the 26th man for Tuesday’s doubleheader. It marked the first big league stint of the season for Hall, a late-season callup for Detroit last year after earning their Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors. He owns a 5-4 record and 5.30 ERA in 13 starts and 12 relief appearances for the Mud Hens.
Tigers claim reliever off waivers
The Tigers used an open spot on their 40-man roster to take a flyer on a relief prospect. Right-hander David McKay was claimed off waivers from the Mariners and assigned to Triple-A Toledo.
McKay ranked as the Mariners’ No. 28 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. Though the 24-year-old had a 5.15 ERA at Triple-A Tacoma in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, he struck out 71 batters over 43 2/3 innings while allowing a .199 batting average and just four home runs. His ERA was elevated in part by 31 walks.
McKay’s fastball sits around the mid-90s, according to his MLB Pipeline scouting report, complemented by a late-breaking slider.
Quick hits
• Outfielder Christin Stewart is showing improvement in his recovery from concussion symptoms, and he is scheduled to go on a rehab assignment with the Mud Hens on Tuesday.
• Double-A Erie infielder Isaac Paredes, the Tigers’ No. 5 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, earned Eastern League Player of the Week honors. He batted .552 with two doubles, a home run and five RBIs for the SeaWolves last week.
• Class A Advanced Lakeland infielder Cole Peterson earned Florida State League Player of the Week honors. He hit .600 with a triple and a home run in four games.