Well, considering the extent of Parker Meadows injuries after his collision with Riley Greene last week, this isn’t surprising. The Tigers on Monday moved the center fielder to the 60-day injured list with a fractured left arm as well as a concussion. The initial impact looked like Meadows, trying to veer away from Greene, who was camped under a Josh Bell fly ball, collided jaw to the back of Greene’s head. Meadows was clearly rocked immediately and couldn’t protect himself going to the ground where
he fell on the left arm, fracturing the radius bone, and also hit his head hard against the turf. Hopefully he’ll make a full recovery, but for now he’s out until mid-June. Even when he does return, he’s going to need some rehab work in Toledo before returning to the Tigers.
The move opened up a 40-man roster spot, and the Tigers used that to claim 23-year-old right-hander Yoniel Curet, who was designated for assignment by the Phillies last week. It wasn’t long ago that Curet was a pretty well regarded pitching prospect for the Rays with a huge sinker and good breaking stuff. They finally DFA’d him in December and the Phillies traded for him, but they needed a spot to add outfield depth, and the Tigers took advantage.
The appeal here is good stuff in a pitcher with an option remaining. The Tigers have some interesting arms in the upper minors, but most of them are either veteran relievers with solid stuff who have failed to find enough command, or pitchers on the injured list. Meanwhile, two of their best arms, RHP Jackson Jobe and RHP Troy Melton are still on the shelf as Jobe rehabs from Tommy John surgery with a late summer timetable, and Melton is slowly building up after elbow inflammation back in spring camp. Really only RHP Ricky Vanasco has been really impressive in the early going for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.
Curet has a big sinker that at his best has topped out at 97-98 mph. However, he’s battled shoulder injuries each of the past two seasons and was more 95-96 mph in spring camp. He has a good cutter and at times has flashed a plus changeup as well. He’s piled up the strikeouts in the minor leagues, but has never gotten his control in order for very long. He’s a project arm for the Tigers, but one young enough and with the option remaining, to give them some time to work with him.
Curet was assigned to Lakeland, and as he has pitched since a few appearances in spring camp but not since the minor league season started, we’ll assume he’s still dealing with a minor injury. When and if the Tigers can get him right, he should be in Toledo with the Mud Hens.
