Kyle Funkhouser makes debut with Toledo

No prospect dreams of making it to Triple A, they all want to go one more step up. However, they all are grateful to be climbing the ladder. By toeing the rubber against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on July 16, Kyle Funkhouser has taken that next step toward his dream.

In the debut game itself, Funkhouser wound up taking the loss after allowing two runs across six innings. During his first inning of work, he struck out Gary Sánchez, who was playing for the RailRiders on a rehab assignment. That was just one of five strikeouts. Unfortunately, he matched the strikeout totals with five walks on the day as well.
Funkhouser was a college arm out of Louisville when the Detroit Tigers selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He spent 2016 and 2017 playing in the various levels of Single A. When he was told to report to Double A Erie to begin the 2018 season, it was more than just a promotion.
In June of 2017, Funkhouser found himself on the DL. He worked his way back, but was not activated until early September. Recovering can be tricky, so the Tigers prospect took his time on the way back, just to be safe.
"I just wanted to make sure everything was feeling good." Funkhouser said. "My offseason goal was start at Double A and see what happens. It has been quite a journey."
It was a goal he achieved, but it also means that he is flying through the farm system. In just three seasons, injury and all, he has proven enough to be just a step away from Detroit. His trajectory has launched him to the number seven spot on the Tigers prospect watch, according to MLB Pipeline.
Of course, Funkhouser knows that he did not get there on his own. He gives credit to his teammates and coaches who have gone on the journey with him. Most of all, it is clear that the 24 year old is aware enough to enjoy the ride.
"It has been a short amount of time, but there's been a lot of good coaches, good players and teammates, and a lot of good facilities and stadiums." Funkhouser said. "You see a lot in Minor League Baseball, both good and bad."