KANSAS CITY -- The Tigers’ search for impact position talent continued Tuesday, when they claimed outfield prospect Troy Stokes Jr. off waivers from the Brewers. The 23-year-old Stokes, who was ranked as Milwaukee's No. 20 prospect by MLB Pipeline, was added to Detroit's 40-man roster, but he was not called up to the big league club. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Tigers released left-hander Ryan Carpenter, closing his two-year stint in the organization. Stokes began the year as the Brewers’ No. 13 prospect, having followed up a 20-homer, 30-steal season in 2017 with a 19-homer, 19-steal campaign at Double-A Biloxi in '18. But after missing most of the first month with injuries, the former fourth-round Draft pick struggled this season at Triple-A San Antonio, batting .233 (75-for-322) with nine home runs, 40 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 17 attempts. His .341 on-base percentage helped him post a .726 OPS, but the numbers were low in what was a decidedly hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League this season. The Brewers designated Stokes for assignment on Sunday, the first day of September callups. The Tigers, who had interest in Stokes in trade talks last summer involving veteran players like Jose Iglesias and Mike Fiers, decided to take a flyer. Carpenter’s tenure ends with a 2-8 record and an 8.57 ERA in 15 games for Detroit. He made nine starts this season, allowing 61 hits over 40 2/3 innings while going 1-6 with a 9.30 ERA. He spent the last month on the injured list at Triple-A Toledo with a left elbow impingement. While Stokes isn’t headed to the Majors right away, the Tigers will still face a decision with him at season’s end. Nine members of MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Tigers Prospects list will be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft if they’re not added to the 40-man roster this offseason, including former first-round picks Beau Burrows and Derek Hill. The club could well end up designating Stokes for assignment and hoping he clears waivers.
