Rogers enjoys chance to play vs. former team
HOUSTON -- While it's true Jake Rogers wasn't the marquee name in the blockbuster trade that sent Tigers icon Justin Verlander to Houston two years ago, the catcher has the distinction of being the first prospect from that massive deal to reach the big leagues.
This week, Rogers hopes to leave a lasting impression with two teams: the Tigers, who took over the grooming process when they acquired him in 2017, and the Astros, who nabbed Rogers in the third round of the 2016 Draft and probably could not have netted Verlander without him.
"I want to come out here and perform and show them what they're missing a little bit," Rogers said with a slight grin. "It would be cool to play against these guys. I know some of the staff and some of the players, and it would be cool to play against them and hopefully beat them."
Rogers, a native of Canyon, Texas, was close to finishing up his Minor League season on Aug. 31, 2017 when he received surprising news: He was headed to the Tigers, along with pitcher Franklin Perez and outfielder Daz Cameron, following a very late deal consummated with just minutes left before the waiver deadline expired.
Though Perez, a projected top-of-the-rotation talent, was considered the centerpiece of the trade, insiders who follow the Astros knew how much the front office coveted Rogers, a defensively sound backstop lauded for his high intelligence and advanced catch-and-throw skills.
Rogers immediately took over as the Tigers' top catching prospect. A well-timed callup six weeks ago allowed him to return to Minute Maid Park, a venue he hasn't visited since he signed with the Astros following the '16 Draft.
Rogers spoke appreciatively about the Astros and modestly about any notion that he may have something to prove during the four-game set this week against his old team. Mostly, he's happy how things have worked out with his current organization.
"I was excited to come over here [to Detroit] and play," Rogers said. "I just wanted to play, and if this was a better spot for me ... I just came over here and played, and it's worked out so far. I just put my head down and play and have some fun."
The Tigers will face Verlander on Wednesday.
Goodrum sidelined
Utility man Niko Goodrum was out of the lineup Monday after tweaking his groin on a play Saturday during the Tigers series in Tampa Bay. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he does not expect the injury to sideline Goodrum for any extended amount of time, but at the same time felt it was best to give the outfielder a "couple days" of rest.
Goodrum, who also did not play in Sunday's finale vs. the Rays, was 1-for-5 with a double during Saturday's 13-inning loss. He took a full round of batting practice Monday.
"He said he was sore sleeping last night," Gardenhire said. "He was sore during the game. He's available to play, but it's a dangerous thing you're doing when walking that line with a guy that has a sore groin, and trying to play."
Proud (and slightly exhausted) Papa Boyd
It's a baby boy for pitcher Matthew Boyd and his wife, Ashley, who welcomed 7-pound, 4-ounce Isaiah Robert Boyd to the world early Monday morning.
Boyd left the Tigers to fly home to Seattle on Sunday, arriving to the hospital around 2:45 a.m. PT early Monday. Ashley went into labor around 6 a.m., and little Isaiah arrived a couple of hours later.
Isaiah joins big sister Meira in a growing Boyd family of four.
Boyd, who recorded his 13th quality start of the season Sunday in Tampa Bay, will be on paternity leave for three days, during which time the Tigers will recall a pitcher -- most likely a reliever -- to temporarily fill the vacant roster spot. That pitcher will join the Tigers in Houston on Tuesday.