Tigers Calling Up Third-Generation Big Leaguer for MLB Debut
The Detroit Tigers are turning to their farm system for position player depth.
According to multiple reports, the Tigers are calling up their No. 22 prospect, Trei Cruz, for what would be his MLB debut. He is expected to join the team Friday. The switch-hitting utilityman will replace the injured Wenceel Pérez, who was hit in the face by a resistance band in a freak accident during Tuesday's postgame workout.
Trei Cruz will be called up tomorrow, per multiple sources. Wenceel Perez headed to the IL.
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) June 18, 2026
Cruz, 27, is the son of former Gold Glove-winning outfielder José Cruz Jr., who briefly served as the Tigers' assistant hitting coach in 2021. His grandfather, José Cruz, was a two-time All-Star with the Houston Astros and played 19 seasons, making him a third-generation big leaguer.
Drafted in the third round in 2020, Cruz spent parts of four seasons at Double-A Erie before finally earning a promotion to Triple-A Toledo last year. The Tigers added him to their 40-man roster during the offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, and he got a long look in spring training, batting .250/.318/.300 over 40 Grapefruit League at-bats before returning to the minors.
Through 33 Triple-A games this season, Cruz has produced a .228/.326/.333 slash line with two home runs and 16 RBIs. He spent a little more than a month on the injured list between late April and May but has been hitting well since his return, posting an .812 OPS over 43 at-bats in June.
The best birthday present admin could ask for
— Toledo Mud Hens (@MudHens) June 3, 2026
TREI CRUZ GRAND SLAM pic.twitter.com/k72u5oJIvQ
Cruz has experience at every position except first base, catcher and pitcher. The bulk of his defensive work this season has come at shortstop (150 innings) and third base (91 innings), but his ability to play all three outfield spots is important given the absence of Pérez.
Detroit (30-44) has a day off Thursday before beginning a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox (38-34) at Comerica Park on Friday evening. It is unclear how soon Cruz will get into the lineup, but at the very least, he gives the Tigers a versatile option off the bench.
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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 2:04 PM.