Jace Jung called up: Tigers promote former first-round draft pick for big-league debut, per report

The Detroit Tigers will promote infielder Jace Jung to the majors ahead of his big-league debut Friday, according to the Detroit Free Press . He is expected to play third base in the series opener against the Yankees . The team has not yet confirmed the move.

Jung, the 23-year-old younger brother of Rangers third baseman Josh Jung , was Detroit's first-round pick and the No. 12 overall selection in 2022. He'll become the fifth member of that first round to reach the majors, joining Angels shortstop Zach Neto , Rockies outfielder Jordan Beck , Twins third baseman Brooks Lee and Orioles minor-league infielder Jackson Holliday .

Jung has spent most of this season at the Triple-A level, batting .257/.377/.454 with 14 home runs in 91 games. He's been far more effective against right-handed pitchers, posting a .912 against them, as opposed to a .641 OPS when faced with a same-handed pitcher. Defensively, he's spent most of his time at the hot corner while seeing occasional action at second.

Thursday's win ( DET 2, SEA 1 ) improved the Tigers to 59-63 on the season.

Jung did not begin the season ranked as one of the three best prospects in the Tigers system . Rather, those honors went to infielder Colt Keith , right-hander Jackson Jobe , and outfielder Max Clark , who the Tigers selected with the No. 3 pick in last summer's draft.