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Detroit Tigers load up on hitters on Day 2 of draft
By: Mike Stiles - Friday, June 12, 2020

(top, left to right) Dillon Dingler and Danny Cabrera (middle, left to right) Trei Cruz and Gage Workman (bottom) Colt Keith

(NEW YORK) – The Detroit Tigers took a few more big swings at rebuilding their lineup in the 2020 MLB draft. And, they hope sooner rather than later. After selecting Arizona State slugger Spencer Torkelson to open the amateur draft Wednesday night, the Tigers used all five of their picks Thursday on hitters they envision joining him in Detroit. Ohio State catcher Dillon Dingler led off the draft's second day as the No. 38 overall selection. The Tigers then took LSU outfielder Danny Cabrera 62nd overall, and Rice shortstop Trei Cruz -- son of former big leaguer Jose Cruz Jr. and grandson of Jose Cruz -- 11 picks later. Detroit went back to Arizona State in the fourth round, taking Torkelson's switch-hitting teammate Gage Workman. Both were drafted by the Tigers as third basemen. So was fifth-rounder Colt Keith out of Biloxi High School in Mississippi. His selection ended Detroit's run on college position players, but the Tigers remained focused solely on hitting talent. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, MLB shaved the draft from three days and 40 rounds to two days and just five rounds. Normally, over 1,200 players would be selected, with many others signed as undrafted free agents to fill out minor league squads. This year, the hundreds of remaining undrafted ballplayers must wait until Sunday to sign with teams -- but clubs can offer maximum signing bonuses of only $20,000. That could prompt many players to opt for college rather than begin their pro careers now.

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