Stadium gets new name, player shines

The Tigers announced their home will be called Fifth Third Park next season after the bank's merger with Comerica. Hours later, outfielder Ben Malgeri homered, doubled, and made a diving catch in a 9-2 win over Washington.

Malgeri makes spectacular diving catch

In the first inning, Malgeri sprinted across the right-field gap to snare a 108 mph line drive off Nationals slugger Abimelec Ortiz. His jump on the ball prevented extra bases.

“It's one of those you're just running hard after. Last second, I realized I can dive for it and have a chance.”

River Ryan impresses in Tigers debut

Making his first Major League start since 2024, Ryan threw three scoreless innings with three strikeouts, flashing a 98 mph fastball and a 3,000 rpm curveball. He praised Malgeri's catch as unbelievable.

“Unbelievable play. I thought it was going to be in the gap for sure, but he made a really, really nice catch.”

Malgeri doubles, then homers big

Minutes after his catch, Malgeri doubled off the left-field fence in a two-run opening inning. In the fifth, he crushed a three-run home run off reliever Luis Perales, his fourth of the season.

Number 53 becomes his identity

Malgeri didn't wear 53 in Triple-A Toledo, but received it upon his June call-up to Detroit. He's embraced the unique number, especially now that it matches the stadium's new name.

“Since I got here, I've worn 53, and I've just been rocking with it. It's a unique number. Now, it's even more reason to stick with it.”

Underdog prospect earning his shot

Malgeri was drafted in the 18th round in 2021 out of Northeastern University and was never ranked in the Tigers' system. Manager A.J. Hinch sees him as a right-handed bat who can play multiple outfield positions.

“Of all the young guys, he's probably gotten the least amount of runway. He's always ready. He is engaged in the game.”

Hinch wants Malgeri to feel rewarded

The Tigers manager plans to keep playing Malgeri regularly, saying he deserves to feel good leaving the ballpark. With several left-handed outfielders on the roster, Malgeri's right-handed bat fills a need.

“I want that guy to get rewarded. I want him to feel good leaving the ballpark. Your team wins, you get a couple hits, you hit the ball out of the ballpark.”