A wrapup of Day 2 around the Major League Baseball draft.
On other hand, Miami’s selects 5 pitchers in row
NEW YORK — The Detroit Tigers took a few more big swings at rebuilding their lineup.
And, they hope sooner rather than later.
After selecting Arizona State slugger Spencer Torkelson to open the Major League Baseball amateur draft Wednesday night, the Tigers used their picks Thursday on hitters they envision joining him in Detroit.
Ohio State catcher Dillon Dingler led off the second day as the No. 38 overall selection in the draft. The Tigers then took LSU outfielder Danny Cabrera 62nd overall, and Rice shortstop Trei Cruz — the son of former major leaguer Jose Cruz Jr. and grandson of Jose Cruz — 11 picks later.
Detroit went back to Arizona State in the fourth round, taking Torkelson’s switch-hitting teammate Gage Workman. Both were drafted by the Tigers as third basemen.
Detroit then selected high school third baseman Colt Keith from Biloxi, Miss., to open the fifth and final round.
While Detroit focused on adding offense, Miami went all pitching — already considered the strength in the upper levels of its system — with its first five selections.
Minnesota right-hander Max Meyer was the No. 3 overall pick to the Marlins, and they followed with Oklahoma high school left-hander Daxton Fulton (No. 40), Ball State right-hander Kyle Nicolas (No. 61), Coastal Carolina right-hander Zach McCambley (No. 75) and Vanderbilt left-hander Jake Eder (No. 104).
The Astros had to wait a while to make their first selection in this draft after having their first- and secondround pick stripped by Commissioner Rob Manfred as part of the team’s punishment for breaking rules against using electronics to steal signs during games.
The New York Yankees were one of the teams to raise questions about wrongdoing by the Astros. Coincidentally, Houston took a pitcher from the Bronx at No. 72, hard-throwing Mount Saint Michael Academy righthander Alex Santos.
Detroit had the No. 1 overall pick for the second time in the past three years, after taking Auburn right-hander Casey Mize in 2018. With their potential future ace already sailing through the farm system, the Tigers turned to bats this time.
Dingler, who moved from center field behind the plate two years ago, was hitting .340 with five home runs and 14 RBIs for the Buckeyes before the season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cabrera is a patient hitter and outstanding defensive outfielder. He hit .345 with three doubles, two homers, 12 RBIs, 14 runs and six stolen bases for LSU this year.
In addition to his terrific baseball bloodlines, Cruz is an outstanding all-around hitter who made a smooth transition last year from