Roger Clemens' Youngest Son Kody Called up by Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers called up 26-year-old infielder and outfielder Kody Clemens to the major leagues on Monday. 

Clemens is the youngest son of former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens. 

Clemens, a third-round pick of the Tigers in 2018 (No. 79 overall), is the club's No. 17 overall prospect, per MLB.com. 

In 45 games for Triple-A Toledo this season he's hitting .283 with eight homers, 31 RBI, 27 runs, 52 strikeouts and an .844 OPS in 45 games. In 97 Triple-A games last season he hit 18 homers and 59 RBI. 

"We don't need him to be superman," manager A.J. Hinch told reporters on Monday. "He's not the answer to all of our problems, but this is an opportunity for him to elbow his way into the big leagues for the first time, and he's earned that. ... He's performed his way here."

In a corresponding roster move, the Tigers put outfielder Robbie Grossman on the 10-day injured list (neck strain).

"If [Clemens] can come up and do what he's done in Triple-A, it'll be a nice boost for us and a nice addition to the lineup," Hinch added. "It's going to create some crazy defensive alignments. Replacing Robbie, who's all outfield, with an infielder is a challenge, but his bat is what got him here."

Clemens has played first base (eight games), second base (18 games), third base (11 games) and left field (10 games) this season for Toledo. He also played 24 games in right field for Toledo last season, so Clemens has the ability to operate as a true utility man for the Tigers. 

His primary position, however, has been second base in his young career. Jonathan Schoop has that covered for the Tigers, so Clemens will likely serve as a corner infielder and corner outfielder during his time in Detroit.

"We've been very careful with when we're going to call him up," Hinch said. "Putting him on the bench makes you feel better, but it might not make you any closer to winning. But his name has been tossed around a couple different times. Now, we're going to force him into the lineup."