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Detroit Tigers’ Ty Madden ‘surprised’ to fall in MLB draft
Detroit Tigers right-hander Ty Madden speaks on Monday, July 12, 2021, after being selected No. 32 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press
The Detroit Tigers selected Notre Dame right-hander Tanner Kohlhepp with their fifth-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Kohlhepp, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound red shirt sophomore, was selected No.135 overall. He is the fifth pitcher the Tigers have drafted in six selections, after high school pitcher Jackson Jobe (No.3 overall), Texas right-hander Ty Madden (No.32), infielder Izaac Pacheco ( # 39), Alabama right-handed pitcher Dylan Smith (# 74) and Bryant University right-handed pitcher Tyler Mattison (# 104).
Draft rounds 2-10 are Monday; Rounds 11-20 are Tuesday afternoon.
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The player
This year, Kohlhepp was 7-2 with a 3.08 ERA, 22 walks, 65 strikeouts and two saves in 61⅓ innings in 23 appearances (one start). He had 65 strikeouts and was named the All-ACC second team. His opponent with a 0.195 batting average placed third in the conference. The 22-year-old is from Eau Claire, Wis., And played his freshman year in Tennessee, before attending Iowa Western Junior College in 2020.
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Why does that make sense
What Kohlhepp comes up with as a pitcher starts with his fastball, which hit 99 mph but is typically in the mid-90s. It also has a slider and change-up. At the very least, he can take over as a power reliever with his sinking fastball and swing-and-miss slider. Using Kohlhepp in a paddock role is the safest bet and could provide the Tigers with a much-needed reliever from the future that could be used in a variety of situations. But there might be more to his arm than just help from the lifters.
Why is it a risk
The assessment of this choice depends on what the Tigers think. If they want to stretch Kohlhepp as a starter, which might be the smartest move given his arsenal, anything can happen. He’s not much of an established pitcher, and he’s struggled to control in the past. These aren’t encouraging signs for someone who might get into the rotation, but his makeup – a powerful fastball and slider – gives the Tigers hope if they want him to start. Still, Kohlhepp probably has to go through a season or two as a professional before the Tigers make their final decision. A lot has to happen before the fifth round pick can be judged.
Evan Petzold is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold. Learn more about the Detroit Tigers and sign up for our Tigers newsletter.
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