https://www.mlive.com/whitecaps/ind...o_1_pick_matt_manning.html#incart_river_index
Tigers' No. 1 pick Matt Manning leaves Whitecaps for Lakeland.
Mlive
The Detroit Tigers announced some big news late Wednesday evening when they promoted four prospects in their minor league ranks. The headliner is righthander Matt Manning, our No. 3 prospect in the system prior to the season. After tearing up the Single-A Midwest League, Manning will test his mettle in High-A Lakeland.
The other promotions are noteworthy too. Outfielder Jake Robson will move from Double-A Erie to Triple-A Toledo, presumably to take the place of the injured Christin Stewart. Robson’s carrying tool is his speed, which some have graded as a double-plus (70 grade) tool. He has hit for high average and posted excellent on-base numbers at every minor league level so far, and is starting to hit for more power. He was our No. 24 prospect in the system this spring.
Outfielders Cam Gibson and Jose Azocar will also move up a level. Gibson, the son of former Tiger and current Fox Sports Detroit announcer Kirk Gibson, has shown some promise down in Lakeland. He will move up to Erie. Azocar previously struggled with the Flying Tigers, but will get another shot at High-A ball after posting an .845 OPS in 27 games with the West Michigan Whitecaps. Neither player made our preseason top 30 list.
BYBTB
Tigers Matt Manning is headed to the Florida State League. Here's how his season shook out in West Michigan (55.2 IP):
- .344 BABIP
- 12.2 K/9
- 3.22 FIP
- 3.40 ERA
- 4.5 BB/9
Last two starts combined:
14 IP, 11 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 14 K.
