Detroit Tigers’ Matt Manning Continues Development in Triple-A Toledo
Detroit Tigers right-hander Matt Manning, a first-round draft pick in 2016, continues to work on his pitching delivery with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. Despite showing occasional flashes of success, the 26-year-old has yet to secure a reliable role as a steady starting pitcher for the Tigers.
Manning’s current season has been a mixed bag. In five appearances with the Tigers, he has a 4.88 ERA, 12 walks, and 23 strikeouts across 27⅔ innings. In Toledo, his performance includes a 5.68 ERA, 13 walks, and 42 strikeouts over 38 innings in eight games.
“Matty is still working on delivery,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “He’s still working on execution. There are plenty of things that we still want him to do.”
Competition for Call-Ups
The decision to promote other pitchers over Matt Manning highlights the team’s cautious approach. Recently, right-hander Keider Montero has been the preferred call-up. Montero, 23, has also experienced struggles at both the Triple-A and major-league levels, holding a 5.03 ERA in Toledo and a 9.35 ERA in Detroit.
Facing the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, Montero allowed five runs on five hits and three walks with six strikeouts over 4⅔ innings. “One of his issues as a young pitcher has been losing some of that command, control and spraying the ball quite a bit,” Hinch noted.
No Assumptions for Matt Manning, Other Players in Triple-A
Despite the challenges, both pitchers continue to work on their development, emphasizing control and pitch sequencing as key areas for improvement. “We also want the guys down in Triple-A to not assume, as well,” Hinch added, acknowledging the competitive nature of player promotions. “He’s still got to earn his way like everybody else.”