COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. — The West Michigan Whitecaps announced the team's Opening Day roster on Thursday morning, which features the Detroit Tigers' top four draft picks from the 2020 MLB Draft.
No. 1 overall pick and infielder Spencer Torkelson will begin the season with the Whitecaps as will 38th overall pick and former Ohio State catcher, Dillon Dingler.
OFFICIAL: @tigers top prospect Spencer Torkelson will make his professional debut with the @wmwhitecaps, after being placed on the West Michigan Opening Day roster.
— Dan Hasty 🎙 (@ThatDanHasty) April 29, 2021
Congrats to @spennyt — the first top overall pick to debut with the Whitecaps in their 28-year franchise history. pic.twitter.com/3ktx4jibP1
Former LSU outfielder and 62nd overall pick Daniel Cabrera will start the season as one of the team's four outfielders while third-round pick, shortstop Trei Cruz starts his professional career in West Michigan after a great career at Rice University.
Several familiar faces return to West Michigan on the pitching staff, including Zack Hess, Yaya Chentouf, Sandel DeLaCruz, Garrett Hill, Xavier Javier, Chance Kirby, Angel Reyes, Jesus Rodriguez, Zac Shepherd, Hugh Smith and Jared Tobey.
Another big name on the pitching staff includes Franklin Perez, who entered the Detroit organization as part of the Justin Verlander trade with the Houston Astros in 2017.
Position players returning for the start of the 2021 season include 2019 draft picks and infielders Andre Lipcius, Jack Kenley as well as outfielder Bryant Packard.
Outfielder and 2018 2nd round pick Parker Meadows will also return to West Michigan.
In total, four of the Detroit Tigers top ten prospects will start the season with the Whitecaps, according to MLB.com.
For a full look at the Whitecaps roster, click here.
The Whitecaps will begin the season on May 4 on the road to take on the Fort Wayne Tin Caps while the home opener will be held on May 11 at LMCU Ballpark.
