Detroit Tigers add Ryan Vilade from Triple-A Toledo, option Akil Baddoo for fourth time
Ryan Vilade is getting his third shot in the big leagues.
The Detroit Tigers recalled Vilade, a right-handed hitter who plays several positions in the infield and outfield, from Triple-A Toledo before Friday's opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Comerica Park.
To make room, the Tigers optioned outfielder Akil Baddoo, a struggling left-handed hitter, to the Mud Hens.
"First off, Vilade has swung the bat pretty well in Triple-A most of the year," manager A.J. Hinch said. "Given the lefties, we want to get him in there, and he can defend himself against righties. Versatility helps probably just as much as the handedness. It's a reward for Ryan with what he's done."
MORE ABOUT HIM: After two years of waiting, Ryan Vilade finally gets first MLB hit with Tigers
Vilade previously played four games with the Tigers in the second week of May, but he only played two full games. In those two games, Vilade went 2-for-4 with one walk May 7 and 0-for-4 with one strikeout May 10.
The 25-year-old was hitting .286 with nine home runs, 28 walks and 70 strikeouts in 70 games with Triple-A Toledo. He learned of his promotion Thursday afternoon and traveled to Detroit on Thursday evening.
"It was a surprise," Vilade said. "I was ordering some Jersey Mike's and got a call."
Vilade made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies in September 2021, playing three games, but he didn't collect his first hit until May 2024 as a member of the Tigers.
He feels prepared for the new opportunity.
"Continue to get more comfortable," Vilade said. "Continue to prepare, always getting better with the preparation side of it, and then just enjoy it."
For the Tigers and Mud Hens, Vilade has a .311 batting average with a .917 OPS against right-handed pitchers and a .228 batting average with a .633 OPS against left-handed pitchers.
Vilade plays all three outfield positions, but he also has experience in the infield.
"It's fun," Vilade said. "Keeps you on your toes. You got to prepare every day doing multiple glove work and reps before the game. You gotta be ready, so you gotta prepare."
NEW ROLE: Tigers move veteran Kenta Maeda to bullpen for 'foreseeable future'
As for Baddoo, he has already been optioned four times — March 22, May 14, July 5 and Friday — in the 2024 season. A player can be optioned five times per season; after that, the player must be placed on outright assignment waivers before being assigned to the minor leagues.
Baddoo, 25, is hitting .117 with two home runs, eight walks and 24 strikeouts in 26 games, spanning 69 plate appearances. He is making $1.55 million in 2024.
Kerry Carpenter injury update
Outfielder Kerry Carpenter (lumbar spine stress fracture) has resumed light hitting activities. The 26-year-old had been shut down for 10 days because he suffered a setback in his return-to-play progression from the lower back injury.
JAVY BACK: Should Tigers' Javier Báez swing more often? Here's what the data suggests
Carpenter hasn't played for the Tigers since May 26. Before the back injury, he hit .283 with eight home runs, 11 walks and 38 strikeouts across 50 games.
It's unclear when Carpenter could return to the Tigers.
Parker Meadows injury update
Center fielder Parker Meadows (right hamstring strain) initiated a return-to-play running progression, along with light hitting activities. The 24-year-old, an elite defender, hasn't played for the Tigers since Sunday.
Meadows has a .131 batting average with three home runs, 12 walks and 34 strikeouts in 35 games, hitting .364 (4-for-11) with one homer, one walk and two strikeouts in three games before landing on the injured list.
Meadows could return to the Tigers in late July or early August.
Casey Mize injury update
Right-hander Casey Mize (left hamstring strain) is playing catch daily and progressing through a return-to-play running progression. The 27-year-old hasn't pitched for the Tigers since June 30.
Mize has a 4.23 ERA with 21 walks and 58 strikeouts across 78⅔ innings in 16 starts. After his injury, right-hander Keider Montero replaced him in the starting rotation.
Mize could return to the Tigers in late July.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on demand at freep.com, Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers add Ryan Vilade from Triple-A, option OF Akil Baddoo
