Detroit Tigers make right move with Matt Manning

The Detroit Tigers‘ future essentially comes down to whether or not their minor league pitching staff pans out. With former top prospects Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal beginning to find success at the major league level, the Tigers had hoped for the same with Matt Manning.

While that could still happen, Manning has yet to find that same level of success at the major league level. As such, the Tigers optioned him back to Triple-A following Friday night’s game.

Detroit Tigers make right move with Matt Manning

It was fair to wonder if the Tigers were rushing Manning to the majors. He had struggled in Triple-A prior to getting the call, posting an 8.07 ERA and a 1.546 WHiP over his 32.1 innings, striking out 36 batters with ten walks. Manning had also allowed 11 homers, a disturbing number that was far more than he had ever given up in a minor league season. Nonetheless, the Tigers were hopeful that the next piece in their wave of pitching prospects could succeed.

That was not the case. While Manning fared better in the majors than he did in Toledo, he still did not have the type of performance that the Tigers had hoped for. He posted a 6.95 ERA and a 1.591 WHiP over his 22 innings, issuing eight walks while striking out just nine batters.

With the impending All Star Break, the Tigers will not need their fifth starter for some time. Sending Manning to the minors allows him to remain on a regular pitching schedule and could allow him to taste some degree of success before his eventual return.

Manning also leaves the Tigers on a positive note. He allowed just two runs on two hits and three walks over five innings, striking out three. Even though it may not be the type of dominant outing that the Tigers or Manning had hoped for, it was a stepping stone, one that could portend better days.

The Detroit Tigers are sending top prospect Matt Manning back to Triple-A. Given his struggles and the All Star Break, it is the right move.