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.
Bluey Appearance Scheduled For 4/13
Bridgewater, New Jersey - The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, will welcome Bluey to TD Bank Ballpark on Sunday, April 13 as part of the Kids Opening Day. The Patriots take on the Reading Fightin Phils (PHI) at 1:05 pm.
Sopranos Night With Special Guest Steve Schirripa Returns To Somerset
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that the team will once again host Sopranos Night with special guest Steve Schirripa at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, May 31 for the 6:35 pm game against the Akron RubberDucks (Cleveland Guardians).
"Rookie of the Year" Star Thomas Nicholas To Appear At 7/13 Game
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that Thomas Nicholas, the star of the baseball film “Rookie of the Year,” will appear at the Sunday, July 13 game. The Patriots take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays) at TD
Kids Opening Day On Sunday, April 13
Bridgewater, New Jersey - Kids Opening Day with the Somerset Patriots is back on Sunday, April 13th at 1:05 PM! Enter for the chance to win one of our special kids experiences. Plus you can meet Bluey! Events for ALL kids! - Meet Bluey at the game - In-game kids
Darryl Strawberry To Appear At August 6th Game
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that New York baseball legend Darryl Strawberry will appear at the Wednesday, August 6 game at TD Bank Ballpark. The Patriots take on the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets) at 6:35 pm in the
2025 Spring Breakout Roster Announced For Yankees
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The New York Yankees, along with Major League Baseball, have announced their roster for the 2025 Spring Breakout Game versus prospects of the Baltimore Orioles to be played on Saturday, March 15 at 6:05 pm at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL.
Yankees' 2025 Spring Breakout Game To Be Broadcast By Patriots
Sarasota, FL - The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees' Double-A affiliate, have announced plans to produce a live radio broadcast of the 2025 Spring Breakout Game between the Yankees' and Orioles' top prospects on Saturday, March 15 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida.
9 Questions with Willie Randolph
In tribute to Black History Month, former Yankees World Series Champion Willie Randolph sat down with the Somerset Patriots to address nine questions in reference to Minor League Baseball's The Nine program. The Nine, which pays homage to the number that Jackie Robinson wore when he broke the color barrier
New York Black Yankees Tribute On 8/2
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, will play as the New York Black Yankees at TD Bank Ballpark as part of a tribute night to honor the historic Negro Leagues team. The Patriots take on the Richmond Flying Squirrels (SFG) at 7:05 pm.
Celebrate Our Armed Forces On May 18
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that the team’s Military Appreciation Day will take place at TD Bank Ballpark on Sunday, May 18. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for a pre-game ceremony beginning at 12:00 pm prior to the 1:05
Nine Patriots Named As Yankees Spring Training Non-Roster Invitees
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The New York Yankees have announced their spring training non-roster invitees, which includes nine players with time as Somerset Patriots.
Somerset Patriots' Ultimate Guide to the Top Sporting Events Worldwide
If you’re a Somerset Patriots fan, this guide will take you on a journey across some of the world’s most iconic and thrilling sporting events. From the excitement of the NBA Finals to the history of Wimbledon, each event brings a unique flair to the global stage. Ready to attend?
Yankees Announce 2025 Coaching Staff For Double-A Somerset Patriots
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The New York Yankees have announced the 2025 coaching staff for the Double-A Somerset Patriots, led by manager Raul Dominguez. Dominguez enters his third consecutive season as manager for the Patriots, 11th overall as a manager and 19th coaching in the Yankees organization. In his first
Seasonal Job Fair Scheduled For 2/8
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, as well as HomePlate Catering and Hospitality, will host a seasonal job fair at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, February 8 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Patriots and HomePlate Catering and Hospitality are looking for
Baseball America Names Patriots 2024 Double-A Organization of the Year
Bridgewater, New Jersey – Baseball America has named the Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, winners of its 2024 Freitas Award for Double-A Organization of the Year.
Fundraise By Working Concessions For Games
Bridgewater, New Jersey- HomePlate Catering & Hospitality, the concessions partner of the Somerset Patriots, is once again offering a program for local non-profit organizations to work at TD Bank Ballpark during the 2025 season to raise money for their charities.
Remembering Dave Rosenthal
Bridgewater, New Jersey - The Somerset Patriots are saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Rosenthal, who served as an event staff supervisor at our ballpark from 1999 - 2010. Rosenthal, of Spotswood, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Jersey Diners Return For 2025
Bridgewater, New Jersey - The Somerset Patriots have announced that the Jersey Diners will be back for the 2025 season. The Jersey Diners, the winner of MiLB's 2024 Best Alternate Identity and Golden Bobblehead for Best New Merchandise Promotion or Retail Sales Strategy, will play six games at TD Bank
Holiday Auction To Benefit The Greater Somerset County YMCA
Bridgewater, New Jersey - The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, are hosting a Holiday Auction to benefit the Greater Somerset County YMCA.