Max Clark Owns Up to Fielding Error as Tigers Defeat Rays

In the top of the fourth inning of a scoreless game against the Tampa Bay Rays, a line drive by recent acquisition Liam Hicks struck an odd bounce off the grass and rolled past Detroit outfielder Max Clark in center field. The misplay allowed Hicks to reach second base and Junior Caminero, who started on first, to advance to third. The Rays later capitalized on the situation, scoring the game’s first run on a Johnny DeLuca single.

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After the game, Clark addressed the play without defensiveness. He characterized the hop as “unacceptable” and described the mistake as “embarrassing.” He acknowledged that the error cost pitcher Jobe (whose first name is not given) two outs and a run, and expressed hope that the situation would be reversed for the pitcher.

Newsweek

Despite the early lapse, Clark delivered a decisive offensive contribution. In the bottom of the fifth inning he hit a two-run home run—the first of his major-league career in Detroit and his second of the season—helping the Tigers secure the win over the Rays. Since his call-up at the end of July, Clark has appeared in 24 games, posting a .681 OPS, two homers, 12 RBIs and above-average defense.

Newsweek

Clark entered the 2024 season ranked the No. 10 prospect in all of MLB and the No. 2 prospect in the Tigers’ system. Following the graduation of Kevin McGonigle from prospect status, Clark became Detroit’s top prospect. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 draft, he spent 90 games with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens this year, compiling a .802 OPS with 11 homers and 42 RBIs. He currently sits at No. 13 on MLB’s Top 100 prospects list.

Newsweek

• “It took a weird hop, but it's unacceptable regardless,” — Max Clark

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