In first pro game, Rainer offers pop, promise to Tigers fans
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Bryce Rainer’s pro career consisted of workouts and batting practice until Sunday.
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Bryce Rainer’s pro career consisted of workouts and batting practice until Sunday.
As the 19-year-old shortstop jumped a 2-0 fastball and crushed a line drive into left-center field for a two-run single Sunday, Rainer’s inexperience didn’t show. The left-handed hitter waited on his pitch and sent it towards the opposite gap at 114 miles per hour, according to the Braves video board. It was his second hit and second and third RBI of his unofficial pro debut. It looked like a Major League approach, and it came from a teenager whose career is just getting started.
“Honestly, it didn't feel like I hadn't played a game in a year,” Rainer said after the Tigers’ 6-3 win for their second consecutive Spring Breakout victory. “It felt like I was just rolling right back out there.”
As far as opening statements go, the Spring Breakout game is a nice platform. It was a statement victory for an organization rated as having baseball’s best farm system by MLB Pipeline.
Rainer’s first hit also went to the opposite field, a fly ball that sent Braves left fielder Owen Carey to the fence but unable to make the catch, plating a run.
“I think the wind might have helped that one a little bit,” said Rainer, the No. 4 ranked prospect in the Tigers system and No. 52 in the MLB Pipeline Top 100.
The Tigers counted their blessings when Rainer fell to them with the 11th overall pick in last year’s Draft. His left-handed power bat and 6-foot-3 frame has brought comparisons to Rangers star shortstop Corey Seager, but injury prevented him from putting that on display last summer.
“I know he’s said it to me, that Corey Seager [comp], being from the L.A. area and all that,” said Hall of Famer and Tigers special assistant Alan Trammell, who managed the team to a Spring Breakout win for a second straight year. “That would be awesome, wouldn’t it? Anybody would like to pattern their game after him. But he has the ability to be that kind of [player] with the size and the swing. And the defense is really good. I mean, I’m pleasantly surprised with his defense at this point in his career.
“He’s just getting his feet wet in pro ball. Pro ball’s different. Like anybody that played, we can help them, but they have to figure out some of it on their own. And he’s just in the early stages, but he’s going to be fine.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Rainer worked out at the team facility in Lakeland last summer, but stayed out of games. After a normal offseason, he was an early arrival to Spring Training.
Not surprisingly, Trammell takes particular interest in shortstops, as Rainer has discovered.
“He’s there a ton. I don’t think I haven’t seen him there in a day. It’s honestly pretty crazy,” Rainer said. “People think he just talks about defense, but he’s in the cage with us, he’s on the field giving us whatever he’s got. It seems like he’s always working.”
The line-drive single in his third and final at-bat is an example of the up-and-middle approach the Tigers preach to their hitting prospects.
“Trying not to do too much,” Rainer said.
Rainer’s first pro at-bat in the second inning looked like it could have been a hit. He bolted down the line and might have beaten the throw to first on his ground ball to the left side. He didn’t get the call, leaving him smiling as he slowed up past the bag, but he more than made up for it.
The first glimpse hopefully carries Tigers fans for a bit. While the talent is apparent, Rainer still has to start his climb up a Tigers farm system that has built depth, especially at his position. Their starting infield for Sunday’s Spring Breakout featured three ranked shortstop prospects. While Rainer got the start at short, Kevin McGonigle (Detroit’s No. 3 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 28 overall) started at third. Franyerber Montilla, the Tigers’ No. 14 prospect, started at second.
“It’s awesome,” said Rainer, who added the crowd surpassed his expectations. “I really didn’t know what to expect. Some of the guys from the Draft before mine didn’t even get to play in this, and it was kinda new to a lot of us. It was definitely good, especially to get a win.”
Senior Reporter Jason Beck has covered the Tigers for MLB.com since 2002.
Tommy Troy Named Texas League Player of the Week
AMARILLO, TX (April 14, 2025) – Minor League Baseball today announced that Amarillo Sod Poodles infielder Tommy Troy is the Texas League Player of the Week for the week of April 7 - 13. Rated as the Diamondbacks number eight prospect (MLB Pipeline), Troy ranked among top Texas League talent
Cerda Homers In Amarillo Defeat
FRISCO, TX (April 17, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (2-10) fell to the Frisco RoughRiders (9-3), 5-3, on Thursday night at Riders Field. The visitors out-hit the hosting RoughRiders, but drop their fourth straight in the two-run contest. It would be Frisco who cracked the scoreboard first this evening,
Late-Inning Frisco Surge Dooms Soddies
FRISCO, TX (April 16, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (2-9) fell to the Frisco RoughRiders (8-3), 9-4, on Wednesday night at Riders Field. The Soddies issue nine walks on the night as Frisco rides a five-run eighth inning to victory, tabbing Amarillo with their third straight loss. Toeing the
Cabrera Tosses Gem In Soddies Loss At Frisco
FRISCO, TX (April 15, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (2-8) fell to the Frisco RoughRiders (7-3), 4-3, on Tuesday night at Riders Field. The one-run pitcher’s duel favored the home team as the Soddies dropped the series opener on the road. Pitching from both sides highlighted the opening innings
Soddies Drop Series Finale to Springfield
AMARILLO, TX (April 13, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (2-7) fell to the Springfield Cardinals (7-2), 17-12, on Sunday afternoon at HODGETOWN. A total of 29 runs were scratched in the Sunday shootout, tabbing the hometown team with the loss before their road trip to Frisco. The first inning
Troy's Four-Hit Game Highlights Soddies Rout
AMARILLO, TX (April 12, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (2-6) defeated the Springfield Cardinals (6-2), 15-3, on Saturday night at HODGETOWN. A total of five multi-hit performances spearheaded the Soddies first win at home this season. The Cardinals had traffic on the basepaths early, but Soddies starter Spencer Giesting
Low-Scoring Affair Results In Sod Poodles Loss
AMARILLO, TX (April 11, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (1-6) fell to the Springfield Cardinals (6-1), 8-4, on Friday night at HODGETOWN. The one-run pitcher’s duel favored the visitors as the Sod Poodles got tabbed with the series loss. A bases loaded walk in the first inning gave Springfield
Soddies Skid Continues At HODGETOWN
AMARILLO, TX (April 10, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (1-5) fell to the Springfield Cardinals (5-1), 8-4, on Thursday night at HODGETOWN. Strong performances from multiple Sod Poodle bats were not enough as Amarillo drops their third straight game to the Cardinals. The Cardinals got off to a quick
Ninth Inning Rally Sets Back Soddies
AMARILLO, TX (April 9, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (1-4) fell to the Springfield Cardinals (4-1), 10-9, on Wednesday night at HODGETOWN. A Sod Poodle six-run fourth inning came up for naught after timely late inning hitting by the Cardinals. For the second straight night, the Cardinals got the
Crooked Numbers Spoil Soddies' Home Debut
AMARILLO, TX -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (1-3) fell to the Springfield Cardinals (3-1), 16-7, on Tuesday evening at HODGETOWN. A six-run fifth inning and seven-run ninth took center stage, while the Sod Poodles’ comeback bid fell short. Springfield struck first with a solo blast in the top of the
Giesting Shines in Soddies First Win
SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 6, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (1-2) defeated the San Antonio Missions (2-1), 4-3, on Sunday afternoon at Nelson W. Wolff Stadium. Strong pitching and a couple of extra-base hits propelled the Sod Poodles to their first victory of the year. In his return to
Bats Fall Silent In Amarillo Loss
SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 5, 2025) -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (0-2) fell to the San Antonio Missions (2-0), 8-2, on Saturday Night at Nelson W. Wolff Stadium. A strong opening to the game failed to hold, resulting in the second straight loss for the Sod Poodles. The bats were
Sod Poodles Drop Season Opener
SAN ANTONIO, TX -- The Amarillo Sod Poodles (0-1) fell to the San Antonio Missions (1-0), 5-4, on Friday Night at Nelson W. Wolff Stadium. A rainy evening favored the home team, as pitching dominated the night. It was a strong start for the Sod Poodles starter as Dylan Ray
Know Before You Go: Opening Day at HODGETOWN
AMARILLO, TX (April 3, 2025) – With the Amarillo Sod Poodles only five days away from opening at HODGETOWN, fans can expect an unparalleled experience at the ballpark as 2025 officially gets underway. To ensure fans are prepared and informed about the latest updates, including changes to game-day procedures, parking,
Zach Goodman Named Play-By-Play Broadcaster For 2025 Season
AMARILLO, TX. (February 27, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, today announced that Zach Goodman will return for a second year in the radio booth. Following his first season as a broadcaster for a professional baseball organization, he now steps into the primary play-by-play
Sod Poodles Announce Partners for Community Spotlight Programs
AMARILLO, TX. (February 19, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles are proud to announce that Carpet Tech will serve as the official sponsor for the “Small Business Spotlight” program for another year to showcase local Amarillo small businesses throughout the 2025 season at HODGETOWN. Additionally, Tobacco Free Amarillo has been
AMARILLO INTRODUCES “YELLOW CITY PIGWEEDS” AS NEW ALTERNATE IDENTITY
AMARILLO, TX. (February 5, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles are excited to unveil the Yellow City Pigweeds as the Club’s new alternate identity for the 2025 season. With baseball season in the panhandle quickly approaching, the introduction of a new alternate brand enriches an already jam-packed HODGETOWN summer that
Single-Game Tickets for 2025 Season On Sale Now
AMARILLO, TX. (February 4, 2025) – Single-game tickets for the 2025 Amarillo Sod Poodles season are officially on sale now. With baseball season in the Texas panhandle right around the corner, fans can now explore individual seating options to plan their summer at the ballpark. The first chance for Amarillo
Sod Poodles Release 2025 Promo Schedule
AMARILLO, TX. (January 30, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, are excited to announce the promotional schedule for the 2025 season. Following a three-game road series to open the regular season, the Sod Poodles are officially back at HODGETOWN on Tuesday, April 8th as
Sod Poodles to Host National Anthem Auditions
Performances Will be Heard on Saturday, March 8th AMARILLO, Texas (January 23, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles will be hosting public auditions for national anthem performances for the 2025 season on Saturday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at HODGETOWN. Soloists, duets, and trios are invited to
Arizona Diamondbacks Announce Amarillo’s Full 2025 Field Staff
AMARILLO, Texas (January 14, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, in partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks, are thrilled to announce their on-field staff for the 2025 season. Javier Colina will return to Amarillo as the fourth manager in Sod Poodles franchise history. Alongside Colina is pitching coach Gaby Hernandez, hitting
Christmas in the Sky Returns with a Spectacular Twist!
AMARILLO, Texas – The OccuNet Company and Fairly Group are thrilled to invite everyone in the Amarillo community to the region's most festive Christmas extravaganza, the "Christmas In The Sky” celebration at HODGETOWN, home of the Amarillo Sod Poodles. This spectacular event is set to take place on Friday, December
Tim Tawa Named Texas League All-Star
Amarillo, Texas (September 24, 2024) – Today, Minor League Baseball announced League Awards and All-Star Teams for each of the three leagues in Double-A. Sod Poodles INF/OF Tim Tawa was named a Texas League All-Star as a utility player. He was the only Amarillo player to be voted an All-Star
Amarillo Erases Four Run Deficit to Beat Frisco
Amarillo, Texas (September 12, 2024) – The Sod Poodles took a 2-1 series lead over the Frisco RoughRiders with a 10-7 victory Thursday Night. Amarillo trailed 6-2 before scoring in their last four offensive frames to secure the comeback win. The bullpen gave up just one run in 5.1 innings
Lin Goes Eight Quality Innings in Loss to Frisco
Amarillo, Texas (September 11, 2024) – The Sod Poodles saw their final series of the year evened up at a game a piece with the Frisco RoughRiders taking a 3-1 win on Wednesday night. The Sod Poodles only run of the game came in the first inning and was unable