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Dillon Dingler
From mlb pipeline:
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45
The Tigers have had to exercise patience with Dingler since drafting him at the top of the second round in 2020 out of Ohio State, where the converted center fielder was an All-Big Ten backstop. Part of that patience has been forced by injuries, including a fractured index finger in 2021, a thumb injury in '22, knee surgery that delayed his '23 season and elbow issues that led to arthroscopic surgery last offseason. But his combination of athleticism, leadership and power bat keep Detroit believing he’s worth the wait. He played 208 games at Double-A Erie before earning a promotion to Triple-A Toledo last year and a spot on the 40-man roster last fall.
Though injuries have tempered his athleticism, Dingler remains a strong-armed, mobile catcher whose ability to make strong throws from multiple angles helps shut down opposing baserunners. He has worked to improve his pitch presentation while reducing his passed-ball total with some changes in setup. Tigers pitchers praise his feel for the game, pregame scouting reports and ability to read hitters. Though Dingler shows good zone judgement and patience at the plate, he struggles to create consistent contact in the zone to tap into his natural power.
Dingler’s long road up the system bears similarities to that of Jake Rogers, whose first full MLB season came last year at age 28 and produced 21 homers. Dingler proved what he was capable of when fully health at Triple-A Toledo this summer and made his Major League debut on July 29.
I used last year's Spring Training pic as he doesn't seem to have the facial hair since he debuted.
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