What makes Detroit Tigers special? Any hitter can play hero, including Justyn-Henry Malloy

Yahoo

16-05-2025

One day, it's Spencer Torkelson.
Another day, it's Javier Báez.
Most recently, it was Justyn-Henry Malloy — delivering a pinch-hit, walk-off single off flamethrower Aroldis Chapman in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Detroit Tigers to a 6-5 win over the Boston Red Sox on May 14 at Comerica Park.
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"We don't care who the hero is," manager A.J. Hinch said.
That's what makes these Tigers special.
Anyone can play hero.
Because everyone is ready to play hero.
Let Malloy explain: "You come into the ballpark, and you're just ready to win. There's a feeling of momentum. There's a feeling of wanting to contribute. And you know you have a role. I think the amount of buy-in with that role creates a really selfless atmosphere where guys are ready to jump in the game. It really is just the selfless act of trying to play the game. I think our group is doing an incredible job of doing so."
THE GAME: Tigers walk off Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox for 6-5 win, series sweep
Detroit Tigers outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy (44) celebrates his walk-off single against Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
Entering May 15, the Tigers owned the best record in MLB, at 29-15, half a game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers (who played late that night). Within the American League Central, the Tigers hold a 3½-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians, 4½ over the Kansas City Royals and five games over the Minnesota Twins.
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What separates the Tigers from the rest of baseball isn't just their record — it's how they use their roster. And not just the 26-man roster, but also the 40-man roster.
"We, as an organization, have committed to bringing up guys," Hinch said. "If they can help us win one game, then we're going to use our roster. We're going to use our players. We're going to put guys in a position to win that day's game."
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The Tigers have given 16 position players at least 20 plate appearances, showcasing their depth and their willingness to spread opportunity. For comparison: The Guardians have used 14, the Royals 13 and the Twins 18. Most teams — including the Dodgers — have given 14 position players at least 20 plate appearances.
The Tigers, though, aren't like most teams.
They call up players like Brewer Hicklen for a single day, use pinch-hitters as frequently as anyone and always seem prepared for high-leverage matchups. Most importantly, the players are fully bought into team-first strategies employed by Hinch.
"It's harder than it looks," said Kerry Carpenter, a slugger who never starts against left-handers but typically pinch-hits as soon as a righty reliever enters the game.
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Pinch-hitters across MLB are batting .214.
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The Tigers?
They're batting .238 in those situations.
Every player on the bench knows his role — and stays ready.
"It's not surprising how much success they have doing that," Carpenter said. "I was the designated hitter today, so I'll go down to the cage. Andy (Ibáñez), Tork (Torkelson), J-Hen (Malloy) — all the guys that are on the bench are down there grinding all game, getting ready for that one opportunity."
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Malloy, a right-handed hitter, follows a specific routine as a pinch-hitter for left-handed pitchers.
It's a routine shaped by a legend.
This past spring training, Miguel Cabrera spent a week coaching at TigerTown and helped Malloy develop his approach, teaching him the importance of watching the game closely and anticipating when he might be called upon.
The routine: He stretches in the third inning, hits in the cage in the fourth, rests in the fifth, and finally, in the sixth, he pieces together how the game might unfold and how he might fit into it.
"Who's up in their bullpen, and who do we have coming up?" Malloy said. "All those small details play a role into how I'm moving around in my preparation."
Detroit Tigers third base Andy Ibáñez (77) steals the thirst base against Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) during the ninth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
Facing the Red Sox, Malloy noticed Chapman, a left-handed reliever, warming in the bullpen. He also knew the Tigers had a stretch of left-handed hitters due up: Zach McKinstry in the sixth spot, Trey Sweeney in the seventh spot, Akil Baddoo in the ninth spot and Carpenter in the leadoff spot.
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There's a reason Malloy pinch-hits in the biggest moments.
"He knows the strike zone," Hinch said. "At the end of the day, it's all about the strike zone. He only gets the toughest matchups in baseball. That's his role on this team. Knowing the strike zone is a huge component there, and being able to control his emotions."
Before Malloy could play hero, Ibáñez — a fellow right-handed hitter who pinch-hit for McKinstry — had to set the table. He isn't known for drawing walks, but he refused to swing at any of the five pitches from Chapman.
It was his 69th walk in 1,097 career plate appearances.
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He's not known for stealing bases either, but the Tigers instructed him to run on the slow-moving Chapman to advance into scoring position. He swiped second, then skipped to third on an errant throw into center by backup Red Sox catcher Connor Wong.
It was his ninth stolen base in 359 career games.
"It doesn't happen without Andy being able to put together a really good at-bat and getting on and making things happen on the bases," said Malloy, who has an .870 OPS against left-handed pitchers in his MLB career. "It's more of a credit to those guys. I was just in a good position to be able to cash in."
With two outs, Malloy pinch-hit for Baddoo and made contact on a 98.8 mph fastball from Chapman. He shot the ball over the leaping second baseman and into center, allowing Ibáñez to trot home easily to clinch the 6-5 win over the Red Sox.
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His teammates stormed the field.
The Tigers celebrated together on the left side of the infield.
"That's just pure joy," Malloy said.
Contact Evan Petzold at [e-mail] or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' early secret: Everyone is 'just ready to win'