Max Clark’s first month in the majors has already given the Tigers plenty to like, and AJ Hinch says the biggest jump so far has come with the glove.
Before Sunday’s finale against the Dodgers on Aug. 30, Hinch pointed to Clark’s work in center field as the area where the young outfielder has made the most obvious progress since spring training. The attention to detail, the first step, the willingness to empty the tank on balls that don’t always show up in the box score - that’s what has stood out.
"I think his development that has taken the biggest leap forward has got his attention in detail on defense," Hinch said before the finale against the Dodgers on Sunday, Aug. 30.
"His his jumps, his commitment to selling out, to go make make plays, make plays that he's going to catch and make plays that are that are not necessarily recorded out, but they keep a guy going first to third, they keep a guy going home to second. Those, he's taken a really big step forward from spring training, of understanding the importance of the position on the non-output.
"That, I think, was - surprised is not the right word, but it's been a pleasant development."
Clark’s reputation has long been built on tools. Tigers fans have already seen the range and the highlight-reel grabs in center field at the lower levels, and the bat and speed have always been part of the appeal, too. Since his call-up to finish July, he’s started to show that package in Detroit.
He’s hitting .250 with a pair of home runs, 13 RBIs and 11 runs scored. He’s also begun to make more of an impact on the bases as he gets more comfortable.
Hinch said the defensive growth should keep coming naturally as Clark logs more reps and gets more comfortable in the role. The next step, in the manager’s view, is at the plate, where the challenge is less about talent and more about keeping things simple.
Clark is taking in a lot right now, Hinch said, and that includes every scrap of scouting and pitch data available to him. That kind of preparation fits a player who is clearly wired to learn, but Hinch also thinks there’s a point where too much information can get in the way.
"He is so astute, so smart," Hinch said. "This guy studies, he almost knows everything about the situation, everything about the pitcher, that it can somewhat too much. And as he matures and grows and tries and understands game situations, letting his natural talent go over as opposed to his studious side of his game, I think the natural ability will flourish.
"He can impact the ball. He doesn't have to overthink.
But as a young player, it doesn't surprise me that he's trying to cover all of his bases all the time. There is a see ball, hit ball component with him that I think will get better over time when he is more familiar."
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