The Tigers have signed infielder Johan Camargo to a minor league deal, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He’s been assigned to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. Conversely, infielder Brendon Davis has been released by the Mud Hens, per his own tracker.
Camargo, 29, signed a minor league deal with the Royals in the winter. He began the season on the injured list in the minors but was able to return to action in mid-May. He went on to hit a torrid .298/.412/.544 through 68 Triple-A plate appearances for a wRC+ of 140. Based on that hot streak, he triggered an opt-out and returned to the open market to see what deals he could find.
He’ll now join a Tigers club that has plenty of uncertainty around the infield. Veterans like Javier Báez, Jonathan Schoop and Andy Ibañez are all having subpar years at the plate and the same goes for younger players like Spencer Torkelson and Nick Maton. The only Tigers with at least 100 plate appearances and a wRC+ above 100 are outfielders Matt Vierling, Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene, and Greene is currently on the injured list.
Given those struggles, there’s logic to bringing Camargo into the organization and getting a closer look at him. He’s played all four infield positions in his major league career and a bit of the outfield corners as well, generally getting solid grades anywhere he’s placed. His career batting line of .255/.313/.410 only amounts to a wRC+ of 90 but he’s at least coming off a hot stretch lately. If he were to get a roster spot at some point, he’s out of options but could be retained for 2024 via arbitration since he won’t be able to reach six years of service time this year.
As for Davis, 25, he signed a minor league deal with the Tigers this winter but has hit just .178/.288/.363 in Triple-A this year.
Desperation smells worse than a chili taco fart…
LOL. It’s really just swapping a minor league depth piece for one who has more upside. I think you just wanted to say “chili taco fart.”
Disappointing about Davis. I thought he could potentially be an interesting piece last year when they brought him in. It wasn’t that long ago Camargo was a starter for the Braves. I hope we try to get some future everyday players at the trade deadline for some of our pitching. We need that type of player Moreno than another maybe Utility man like Camargo
Another audition……we’re giving EVERYBODY a shot this year…….shows you my Tigers don’t have enough talent on at The Farm. Sometimes I can’t believe we have as many wins as we do….I like that Camargo is a switch-hitter and has a little pop.
But he has a big mom so it evens out.
Still wouldn’t surprise me if Hinch platoons him. I am so tired of seeing Maton batting 5th with his .150 average in a platoon. Imagine if he played everyday (Have to imagine due to Hinch believing everyone has to platoon).
Ibanez was hot. Then not. Seems to be getting back on track lately.
This guy is another Candelario/Willi Castro type player. But considering what kind of production the Tigers are getting, I consider this a upgrade. I’d bring Camargo up in a week or so, then send down Maton. Maton’s .150 BA in 200 AB is not going to cut it here in the majors.
Tigers have pitched well especially considering how much pressure these putrid bats are putting on our young staff to keep runs down.
I think they should consider sitting Baez and Schoop or sending them down. Those big name contracts are putting negative juju on all the young bats.
Schoop won’t last much longer, but Baez isn’t going anywhere. He’s been hitting well the last few days and his defense is pretty good.
Candelario was a two time Tiger of the Year. Willi Castro was a bench player. No comparison between the two, other than they would both be better than anything Harris has provided for 3B this year. At some point, hopefully, Harris will make a long term acquisition, rather than these “fill the hole” moves. They have Henry-Malloy at AAA. They have Keith at AA. All Camargo does is take away ABs. If they needed another 3B for Toledo, Maton and Ibanez have proven they are worthy of that opportunity.
Mets just traded Eduardo Escobar to the Angels. Maybe that will get some trades flowing early and we can ship out some pitching and scoop a young infielder to test drive before the deadline. Cut Schoop, send Maton down to straighten things outm. Too many utility IFers or regulars stinking it up. Sprinkle Justyn Henry-Malloy in there too…see what we have there at 3B or OF. Why not?
Good. Let’s hope he gets back into shape and healthy.
Congratulations!
Trade Hinch. Make Miggie the manager….. Hinch can come back later……
The Tigers really love Ex Braves players lol
If, Camargo can hit down in Toledo, then bring him up in 10 days.
Rebuild is in full swing now.