When the Detroit Tigers added utilityman Jahmai Jones on a minor league deal this offseason, it didn’t generate much more than a shrug. That’s how it goes when you’re a 27-year-old former prospect who never panned out. It was a sensible addition but whether there would be any role for him was pretty doubtful.
Jones got a lot more attention on Wednesday when he crushed a grand slam against the Philadelphia Phillies and posted two of the hottest exit velocities of the spring. The Tigers have some injury trouble in their outfield, and with Jones getting some starts in center field, he’s suddenly looking like part of the solution.