What To Expect: Steven Moya

The Tigers, victims of Max Scherzer’s 20-strikeout performance Wednesday night, on Thursday called up lefthanded-hitting slugger Steven Moya, he of the career 30.7 percent strikeout rate.

Moya’s callup is likely a short-term one and is meant in part to give Justin Upton a day off. The Tigers believe Cameron Maybin should return in a couple of days, at which point Moya would return to Triple-A Toledo.

SCOUTING REPORT

Moya has the best raw power of the Tigers’ prospects—although Christin Stewart is on his heels—with tremendous bat speed. The caveat is the 6-foot-7 lefty has an enormous strike zone that he has trouble controlling and a long swing. He can get tied up by even average velocity in on his hands, and frequently chases pitches out of the zone. As you see in the video above of him against Jameson Taillon, there is plenty of pre-swing movement, which can make for inconsistent swing path and timing.

There have been positive signs this season as he leads the International League with nine homers and ranks ninth in batting at .310. He has also trimmed back his strikeouts to 22 percent, much more manageable given his power. He’s surprisingly athletic in right field despite his size and has a prototypical right fielder’s throwing arm.

WHAT TO EXPECT

It’s likely a quick trip back to Toledo for Moya, the Tigers’ No. 11 prospect entering the season, but if Maybin’s return to the field is again delayed, fantasy players might find him worth a gamble for a quick burst in homers.