Eliezer Alfonzo’s long road through the Tigers’ farm system finally led to the big leagues this week, but the moment was shadowed by devastating news from home.
Alfonzo, who spent 2017 through 2025 in Detroit’s organization before electing free agency and signing a minor league deal with the Dodgers, was selected to the major league roster on July 4 when Los Angeles moved catcher Chuckie Robinson off the active roster. He was in the Dodgers’ lineup the very next day for what became his MLB debut.
That debut came as reports from Venezuela said Alfonzo’s sister, Eliana, and step-mother, Patricia, were found dead after the country’s devastating earthquakes.
Alfonzo honored them by wearing “E y P, RIP” on his cap, along with the VZ multiple players - including the Tigers’ Keider Montero - have worn since June 24.
When he stepped to the plate at Dodger Stadium for the first time, the crowd greeted him with a standing ovation. Even Tigers fans could appreciate that one.
Alfonzo finished 0-for-2, but the line score barely matters here. Just getting on the field at all made the day something bigger than baseball.
His new teammates have surrounded him. Dave Roberts, who played with Alfonzo’s father, Eliezer Alfonzo Sr., with the Giants, spoke plainly about the moment: "I really don't know what to say about it, other than that my heart is with him and his family," he said.
"I don't want to go too deep [into it], because I'm going to get emotional. I know it's tough.
Very tough."
Miguel Rojas, a Venezuela native who viewed Alfonzo Sr. as an idol and whose own family was in Venezuela during the earthquakes, though thankfully unharmed, also paid tribute on his cap.
Alfonzo was a familiar and well-liked presence in the Tigers system for nearly a decade, and his first shot in the majors may not last long with Will Smith on the Dodgers’ IL because of a neck issue. But for one night, the game took a back seat to something far more important.
In Other News...
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The challenge for Detroit is figuring out how much patience to pair with that upside. Rainers offensive ceiling is obvious, but the swing-and-miss has not disappeared, with 109 strikeouts in 260 at-bats still hanging over the profile. If he keeps forcing the issue, the next move could come soon, and the Tigers will have to decide how aggressively to push a player who already looks like he is starting to outgrow the level. [Read more 🡒]
Spencer Torkelson Is Becoming A Real Tigers Problem Again
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A.J. Hinch has already tried to shake things up by moving Torkelson around the batting order, from fourth to seventh, in search of a better fit and a little more consistency. What the Tigers need now is not another isolated power run, but dependable production in the spots where rallies are supposed to start and finish. Until Torkelson strings together more complete nights, every quiet stretch keeps putting more pressure on a team that cannot afford too many wasted chances. [Read more 🡒]
Former Tigers Prospect Daz Cameron Just Resurfaced Again
Daz Cameron has resurfaced again, this time on a minor league contract with the Blue Jays after most recently playing for the Doosan Bears in the Korea Baseball Organization. For Tigers fans, the name still carries some familiarity, since Cameron spent parts of the first three seasons of his career in Detroit before continuing his journey through Oakland and Milwaukee.
The latest stop adds another layer to a career that has already taken him well beyond the path many former prospects follow. Cameron, the son of former big leaguer Mike Cameron, has kept finding new opportunities to extend his run in professional baseball, and Toronto will now get a closer look at what he can still provide. [Read more 🡒]