Detroit Tigers minor leauger Gregory Soto suspended for 20 games

Detroit Tigers minor league pitcher Gregory Soto was suspended for 20 games by Major League Baseball, effective at the start of 2019.

Gregory Soto is an intriguing prospect for the Detroit Tigers. Although he is not listed as one of the top 100 prospects in the game, the hard throwing lefty has made an impression in the Detroit system. He was the Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2017, and was considered to have the best fastball in the Midwest League that same year.

While he struggled in his first full season in the Florida State League, Soto is still considered to have a bright future. However, that future will be delayed a bit next year, as he was suspended for the first 20 games of the 2019 season for Conduct Detrimental to Baseball.

According to the Major League Baseball Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article XII, Part B covers Conduct Detrimental and Prejudicial to Baseball. The clause itself reads “Players may be disciplined for just cause for conduct that is materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of Baseball including, but not limited to, engaging in conduct in violation of federal, state or local law. The Commissioner and a Club shall not discipline a Player for the same act or conduct under this provision. In cases of this type, a Club may only discipline a Player, or take other adverse action against him, when the Commissioner defers the disciplinary
decision to the Club.”

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At this point, it is unknown what, exactly, Soto did to warrant such a punishment. He will still be able to take part in Spring Training; however, he will not be permitted to play for the first 20 games of the season.

The Tigers 14th ranked prospect at the end of 2018, Soto did not fare well in his first full season in Lakeland. He produced an 8-8 record, with a 4.45 ERA and a 1.509 WHiP. Over his 113.1 innings, he struck out 115 batters, but issued 70 walks.

Soto did much better in the Arizona Fall League. In his seven starts spanning 29 innings, he posted a 3.10 ERA and a 1.172 WHiP. Although he struck out only 25 batters, his command showed improvement, as he issued only 14 walks.

Although it took five years for Soto to reach full season ball, he remains an intriguing prospect for the Tigers. A left handed pitcher with a fastball that reaches the mid 90s, and developing secondary pitches, his future is still uncertain. If he can harness his command, he could slot in as a middle of the rotation starter. Otherwise, Soto could potentially be a weapon in the bullpen, which could give him a bit more velocity in shorter bursts. However, his future will need to wait, due to an unspecified infraction.

Detroit Tigers minor league pitcher Gregory Soto has been suspended for the first 20 games of the 2019 season. While it may not change his future prospects, it is something that the Tigers will need to keep an eye on going forward.