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Detroit Tigers' Mark Canha understands Spencer Torkelson, ready to help at first base

evan petzold, detroit free press
·4 min read
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ARLINGTON, Texas — Mark Canha feels like he understands Spencer Torkelson.

Canha, a 35-year-old veteran outfielder, remembers shuttling back and forth between MLB and Triple-A in 2017. He started and finished the season in the big leagues, but aside from the start and finish, the Oakland Athletics optioned him to the minor leagues three times. It was his third MLB season and his age-28 season.

"I know how he feels," Canha said. "It feels like your world gets flipped upside down, but at the same time, when you're struggling like that, and I was struggling at the time and should've been sent down because I was struggling really bad, it can be nice to get a mental break from constantly not seeing results. It happens to the best of us."

Tigers first baseman Mark Canha tosses the ball to first base for an out during the first inning against the Rangers on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.
Tigers first baseman Mark Canha tosses the ball to first base for an out during the first inning against the Rangers on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.

The Detroit Tigers optioned Torkelson — the 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick in his third MLB season and his age-24 season — to Triple-A Toledo for the second time in three years after Sunday's game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Torkelson is hitting .201 with four home runs, 16 walks and 56 strikeouts in 54 games. The Tigers want their everyday first baseman — who slugged 31 homers in 159 games last season — to make adjustments to his swing mechanics because he hasn't been on time for fastballs this season.

THE TORK PLAN: Tigers explain decision to demote Spencer Torkelson, hope for adjustments in Toledo

Canha made an adjustment — not to his swing but to his approach — at the 2018 All-Star break, and since then, the 10-year MLB veteran hasn't played games in the minor leagues except for a brief rehab assignment.

"Hopefully, he's back soon," Canha said. "You want Spencer Torkelson in your lineup, you know? We all know what he can do. Hopefully, it's a brief stint and we get him back, and hopefully, it's a good thing for him."

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Mark Canha receives congratulations from first baseman Spencer Torkelson after his home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park, April 12, 2024.
Detroit Tigers designated hitter Mark Canha receives congratulations from first baseman Spencer Torkelson after his home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park, April 12, 2024.

In the meantime, the Tigers will operate under a first-baseman-by-committee plan with Canha, third baseman Gio Urshela and second/third baseman Andy Ibáñez receiving playing time at first base in Torkelson's absence.

Canha has played 925⅔ of his more than 6,800 innings at first base throughout his career, including nine innings in Monday's 2-1 win over the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. He hasn't been a primary first baseman since his rookie season in 2015.

"It's not like riding a bike," said Canha, who expressed his willingness to take on an extended role at first base. "It is, to some extent, but it's one of those things where you got to get back into it a little bit to remember little subtleties. The more I'm over there, the better and better I'll get, and the more comfortable I'll get."

BEFORE IT HAPPENED: Does Spencer Torkelson need demotion to Triple-A? This time, A.J. Hinch didn't say no

Manager A.J. Hinch plans to work Urshela and Ibáñez into the mix, as well. Matt Vierling, who plays all three outfield positions and third base, is the fourth option at first base.

"Short term is all we're worried about right now because we've got games to play," Hinch said. "Those three will be the first choice. You may see Vierling take some ground balls over there. If people think there are at-bats to be had, people will race to that position. But generally, you'll see a lot of Mark, Gio and Andy depending on how the rest of the lineup is configured."

THE NEWS: Tigers option former No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson to Triple-A Toledo

Down in Triple-A Toledo, Torkelson is tasked with earning his way back to the big leagues — and reclaiming his role as the team's first baseman — by making tangible adjustments that lead to better contact quality.

The Tigers also want Torkelson, worth minus-5 defensive runs saved, to improve his defense.

"It doesn't feel like (a good thing) when it happens in the moment," Canha said, "but I feel like, after my first week when I got sent down, I felt more relaxed. To actually work on stuff without having to worry about results is a valuable thing."

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Mark Canha knows what Spencer Torkelson is experiencing