The Tiger Beat: Talkin’ torpedo

Is a new bat shape going to turn 2025 into an all-time great year for hitters?

We got into the Yankees’ “torpedo” bats yesterday as they were a hot topic of conversation over the weekend. But it seems like these new bats aren’t going to go away any time soon. Not only are the Yankees going to continue using them, but other players and teams are already hopping on the trend as well, so don’t be surprised if you soon see these new, odd-looking bats popping up in the Tigers’ dugout.

That and more in today’s news!

Detroit Tigers News:

• Jason Foley admitted that he was “pretty surprised” by his demotion to Triple-A Toledo. Full story here.
• Are you headed to this week’s home opener in person? Well there are plenty of things going on that day, and a fair bit of wisdom on offer to make the day go a little more smoothly. Here’s a full list of events taking place on the day , and here’s a guide to the best places to park and how to navigate around downtown .

AL Central News:

• The White Sox groundscrew got a fair bit of attention this weekend, but here’s more insight into their head groundskeeper and how he helped save the game this weekend .
• In a corresponding move to the Twins’ DFA of Randy Dobnak, they have selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Darren McCaughan from their Triple-A affiliate St. Paul .
• Guardians players react to Tanner Bibee’s strong outing this weekend after he was felled early in the series by food poisoning .
• How Gabriel Arias surprised his own manager with his perfectly played bunt against the Royals this weekend .
• The Royals aren’t harboring ill will towards Emmanuel Clase after he hit Jonathan India in the head with a fastball. They said after the game, they do not think the hit was intentional.
• The Yankees aren’t the only ones getting attention for their torpedo bats, as a Twins catcher defends the use of the unusual bat.
• Did a White Sox broadcaster manage to jinx the club’s no-hit bid against the Twins?

MLB News:

• The biggest late-breaking story of Monday was the 80-game suspension of Atlanta Braves’ Jurickson Profar for testing positive for PED use .

• Many noticed glaring issues with their MLB TV broadcasts over opening weekend. Whether it was Technical difficulties notifications, audio that didn’t sync right, or the app crashing mid-game. In typical fashion, MLB responded in the worst way possible.
• Is baseball a game for the young? Tom Verducci explores why fewer and fewer teams seem to be depending on veteran players.
• Some teams are already placing orders for the new torpedo bats, so don’t expect those to go away anytime soon .
• ESPN has a full breakdown on the weird new bats that no one can stop talking about .

• A little reminder that everything changes over time, even bat shape.

• Wait, how is this real???

• A big extension announcement from the Red Sox.