Kody Clemens, Son Of Roger, Gets Big League Call-Up
Roger Clemens’ youngest son, Kody Clemens, was called up to the Detroit Tigers Major League roster on Monday, May 30. Clemens’ call-up to the big show comes after the Tigers placed outfielder Robbie Grossman on the 10-day injured list with a neck strain.
Clemens is currently the Tigers’ No.18 prospect. They drafted the infielder in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft after a successful junior season at Texas. This will mark the 26-year-old’s first regular-season trip to Detroit. While Clemens may not project as a superstar he may be able to add some value to a major league roster.
When looking for a replacement for Grossman, Clemens was the clear option. He has been one of the most productive players in Detroit’s minor league system. In 45 games at Triple-A Toledo Clemens had a slash line of .283/.316/.527. Clemens has also demonstrated the ability to hit for extra bases thus far as he has tallied eight home runs, nine doubles, and six triples. The only knock on his minor league season was that he had 50 strikeouts while only walking ten times.
In the field, Clemens can play several positions. His primary position is second base but he has also seen work at third base and corner outfield.
Clemens is being called up to add depth to the Tigers’ bench. He is not going to be an everyday starter. Despite that, he will get plenty of opportunities to succeed. In front of him at second and third will be Jonathan Schoop and Jeimer Candelario. Both are veterans who have underperformed this season but Detroit has shown that they are more than willing to give them time to find their swings. This has worked as the pair has picked up pace over the last couple of weeks. However, Clemens will find work when the veterans are given off days.
Clemens will likely see more opportunity in the designated hitter and corner outfield roles. Along with Grossman, starting corner outfielder Austin Meadows is also on the injured list. On top of that, promising young outfielder Riley Greene has yet to see time in Detroit after an injury in spring training. Designated hitter Miguel Cabrera is also experiencing back soreness and is currently day-to-day. With all of these injuries, Clemens will certainly find his way into the Tiger’s lineup sooner rather than later. After all, the Tigers did not call him up for nothing.
Clemens’ time in the big leagues may be short. He will probably be sent back to Toledo when a veteran player returns from the injured list. However, Detroit is currently batting .220 as a team. That is 28th in MLB. They are also last in home runs with 27 on the season. If Clemens can provide a spark to this stagnate Detroit offensive he may extend his stay.
