Craig

Monroe

Monroe is on fire at the moment hitting in 22 of his last 23 games with 28 RBI over that stretch. Can somebody please tell him that he is really just a fourth outfielder and not a regular?

He has also played very well defensively. Monroe may not be a good enough hitter to be a starter in the majors, but he has certainly proven he can be one of the AL’s best fourth outfielders.

Monroe originally feared he had broken the wrist, but he didn’t even have X-rays taken. He has a little bit of soreness.

Monroe, Detroit’s fourth outfielder, hasn’t played since Thursday.

Monroe should be starting in AL-only leagues, even though his average won’t stay above .280. Young isn’t about to lose his job to Monroe, but once he returns, someone else (Bobby Higginson?) could.

The Tigers will face right-handed pitching until Sunday and Monroe, a right-handed batter, would likely not be needed. As such, there is no sense rushing him back.

Andres Torres replaced Monroe, who is day-to-day.

He will not play again today and will not return until Thursday at the earliest. With Alex Sanchez missing, Omar Infante will continue to start in center field while Monroe is out of the lineup.

Monroe has been on the 15-day disabled list since July 21 with a hamstring strain. He could join the mix in center field for Detroit upon returning.

In most games, Monroe is the hero with a walk-off grand slam. But after the Red Sox scored seven runs in the top of the 10th that was just padding the stats. Monroe is batting just .284 with 13 homers, but he’s already collected 73 RBI this season.