Detroit Tigers want to get Derek Hill more at-bats; Isaac Paredes hitting again
Detroit Tigers outfielder Derek Hill has seven at-bats in 13 games. Since being called up to the majors Sept. 2 from the alternate training site in Toledo, he hasn't started. Nor has he notched his first hit.
The 24-year-old's role is to enter close games as a defensive replacement, pinch-run and learn from veteran players. But Hill's past — a No. 23 overall pick in 2014 — makes him an intriguing character. Without a legitimate sample size, there's no reason to write him off as a non-achiever in the batter's box.
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He isn't projected to anchor the Tigers through the rebuild, at least not offensively. Although, with Detroit all but eliminated from the postseason, interim manager Lloyd McClendon wants to give him a few more opportunities at the plate.
"I think his bat has been the one thing that's lagged behind a little bit," McClendon said Wednesday. "But we have been really, really pleased with the progress he's made with the bat at this level. Not in games, but in the cage, in BP, in his drill work, his skill work.
"You can see the ball starting to come off more explosive, so we're excited about that. Hopefully, he'll continue to get better once he gets to consistently play again."
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Of course, Hill is thankful to be in the big leagues and willing to do whatever he can to help the team. He likes his role as a defensive and baserunning expert but still believes there's more he can offer.
He wants to be "a little bit more impactful." That's his way of politely saying he is ready to contribute as a starter with five games remaining. He spent six seasons in the minors, most recently with Double-A Erie for 120 games in 2019 — slashing .243/.313/.394 with 14 homers and 45 RBIs.
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"They definitely have a plan for what they're using me for," Hill said Wednesday. "So far, it's worked out. Scored a couple of runs, done some pretty good things on the bases. Just to get the opportunity up here is outstanding. I was in Double-A last year, and for them to give me the chance to get my experience, it's a blessing."
Hill has scored three runs and walked once since he joined the Tigers from the reserve squad, but he is still searching for a hit. As McClendon gives him more chances, his odds of collecting the milestone will increase.
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But through 13 games and a few highlight-reel catches, Hill has discovered a feeling that no milestone can match.
"I feel like I belong here, honestly," Hill said. "I know that I can play at this level, and it should be exciting for next year."
Back to what's expected
One of the quietest active streaks in baseball belongs to third baseman Isaac Paredes, who has reached safely with a hit in eight consecutive games. During this span, he is 8-for-25 (.320) with three doubles and one walk.
No multi-hit games. No runs batted in. No home runs.
Yet it's an improvement from his 2-for-36 stretch from Aug. 26 through Sept. 11, which came after his first seven career games had him at a .318 batting average with one homer and six RBIs.
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"We've been working very hard," Paredes said Saturday. "We went through a very bad situation. That has been helping me make it a learning experience. The adjustments I've made, it's my stance when I'm in the batter's box. I was kind of open, and now I'm closed (more). That helps me recognize pitches and see them better."
McClendon noticed a problem when Paredes got "pull happy" with his swing. As a right-handed hitter, he has pulled 36.5% of batted balls toward left field, while sending 30.2% straight and 33.3% the opposite way toward right field.
"As of late, he's starting to use the entire field, starting to hit the ball to right field, which is what he's all about," McClendon said. "When he does that, he's a much better hitter."
Once the season ends, Paredes will return to Mexico to play for Yaquis de Obregon in the Mexican Pacific Winter League. The 21-year-old wants to improve his strength and athleticism before next spring training.
For now, he is just happy to have his swing back.
"I've been listening to players with a lot of experience in the majors," Paredes said. "They said I didn't have to get frustrated or think too much about it. I had to go out, play and enjoy the game, and good and positive things would come back. That has been helping me a lot."
Evan Petzold is a sports reporting intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold. The Free Press has started a new digital subscription model. Here's how you can gain access to our most exclusive Detroit Tigers content.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers want to get Derek Hill more ABs; Isaac Paredes hitting
