Matt Manning — via Whitecaps

Tigers tonight have announced multiple promotions across the player development system. No. 2 Matt Manning and No. 17 Jose Azocar move from Single A West Michigan to Single A Lakeland, No. 26 Jake Robson moves from Double A Erie to Triple A Toledo and Cam Gibson moves from Lakeland to Erie.

Manning, who was the club’s top draft pick in 2016, is in the midst of a strong season for the Whitecaps. Over 11 starts in 2018, Manning carries a 3–3 record with a 3.40 ERA (55.2IP/21ER), 47 hits and 28 walks, while striking out 76 — already setting a career high in punchouts. Most recently, Manning has allowed just one earned run over his last two starts, winning both contests, striking out 14 over 14.0 innings.

Azocar has been one of the Midwest League’s most productive players this season, hitting .311 (32x103) over 26 games with West Michigan. Over his last 11 contests, the Guiria, Venezuela native is hitting .378 (17x45) with six triples, 10 runs scored and nine RBI. Tonight’s promotion marks Azocar’s second stint on the Lakeland roster this season. Through 29 games from April 26 to May 22, Azocar batted .214 (22x103), with four doubles and seven RBI.

One of Erie’s standout position players, the 23-year-old Robson has had a solid season at the plate, batting .287 (74x258) with 15 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, 32 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Robson was selected in the round eight of the 2016 MLB Draft.

Cam Gibson, son of Tigers legend Kirk Gibson, was selected in round five of the 2015 draft. Through 65 games in Lakeland this season he has a .238 (54x227) average with four homers, seven doubles, three triples and 22 RBI.