Tigers add infielder John Peck to roster

The Detroit Tigers called up infielder John Peck and optioned outfielder Corey Julks before a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, Aug. 31. Peck, a 24-year-old right-handed bat, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Pepperdine. He will become the fifth player from that draft to make his debut this season for the Tigers, joining Max Clark, Kevin McGonigle, Andrew Sears and Brett Callahan.

The Tigers also called up Yilber Diaz from Toledo and designated Tanner Rainey for assignment. Both Beau Brieske and Riley Greene were in the Tigers' clubhouse on Monday and are expected to be called up on Tuesday when rosters expand.

Peck was not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins, but Tigers manager J. Hinch indicated he would start at shortstop in the next two games. "But he will be in the lineup tomorrow at shortstop, and he's going to play Wednesday at shortstop as well," Hinch said. "So we obviously really like him defensively. We've liked how he's developed offensively over the last couple of seasons."

Peck's path to the majors

Peck has played 278 games in the Tigers system, hitting .288 with 287 strikeouts and 101 walks. He has found power over the last two seasons, hitting 11 home runs in 2025 and 11 in 70 games in 2026.

He started the 2026 season at Double-A Erie, hitting .285 with 10 home runs in 58 games with an .839 OPS. He was promoted to Triple-A in late June but was injured after two games, suffering a hamstring injury. After sitting out for six weeks, he played three rehab games with the Lakeland Flying Tigers and three with the West Michigan Whitecaps before returning to Toledo. He then played four games for Toledo.

According to Baseball America's Emily Waldon, Peck spent most of this season at Double-A, hitting .285/.328/.511 in 58 games with 10 home runs, 19 steals, and a 64/14 K/BB ratio. He is 10-for-21 in his first six games at Triple-A with a home run, three RBI, and three steals. Waldon described him as a strong defensive shortstop who can also play second base and third base.

Defensive versatility

In his Tigers minor league career, Peck has played 155 games at shortstop, 72 at third base, 36 at second base and four in left field. Hinch emphasized the team's desire to evaluate him at shortstop. "He had his own health concerns earlier this year when he had his (hamstring)," Hinch said. "He's recovered and got a brief little stint in AAA. But we want to take a look at him defensively at shortstop. He's a reliable guy. We loved him in spring. We've loved him during the season, and he's going to get a little bit of a run here to help us on the position player side."

Promotion over Max Anderson

The Tigers elected to promote Peck instead of second baseman Max Anderson, who is hitting .307 with a .898 OPS and 14 home runs in 93 games at Triple-A Toledo. Anderson has struck out just 52 times with 47 walks. Hinch's comments suggest the decision was driven by defensive needs, as the team looks to give Peck an opportunity at shortstop.

Peck's role in Detroit remains to be seen, according to Waldon's report. He is expected to get playing time at shortstop in the immediate series, and the team will likely assess his performance as rosters expand on Tuesday.