Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene is having a sensational season, solidifying his position as a key player for the team. As September approaches, Greene continues to demonstrate his value, achieving a franchise milestone that hasn't been seen in over a decade.
Greene's performance this season has been outstanding. As of Saturday, he boasted a .263/.318/.508 batting line with 30 home runs and 94 RBIs. He's already surpassed his previous career highs in both home runs and RBIs, and he's accomplished this in fewer games (126) than last year (137). Furthermore, he earned a spot on the American League All-Star team for the second consecutive year.
With the Tigers aiming for the playoffs and potentially securing the best record in the American League, Greene is emerging as a dark horse MVP candidate and undoubtedly the most crucial offensive force in the lineup. Recently, he achieved a feat that a Tigers left-handed hitter hadn't accomplished in more than ten years, and only one other had done in franchise history.
Riley Greene's Historic Achievement
Riley Greene is now the first Tigers left-handed batter to hit 30 home runs in a season since Prince Fielder in 2012. This is according to Tigers PR on X:
He also joins Norm Cash (1961 and 1962) as the only left-handed hitters in franchise history to reach 30 homers prior to the start of September.
Greene's accomplishment is even more remarkable considering that he's only the second Tigers left-hander to reach 30 home runs in a season before September. The other was Norm Cash, who achieved this feat in consecutive seasons in 1961-62. Cash, a five-time All-Star and 1968 World Series champion, spent 15 of his 17 MLB seasons with Detroit and hit 377 of his 379 career.
This historic achievement underscores Riley Greene's importance to the Detroit Tigers and solidifies his place among the franchise's legendary left-handed hitters. Keep an eye on Greene as the Tigers push for a playoff berth!