Zach

McKinstry

McGonigle receives his first day off since May 4. The 21-year-old hitting machine has dealt with the usual ebbs and flows that accompany life in the majors as a rookie, but he’s been a fantasy force, hitting 285/.390/.407 with 38 runs scored, three homers, 21 RBI and nine steals across 59 games. Gleyber Torres is at second base in his return from the injured list with Zack Short handling shortstop and Zach McKinstry at the hot corner.

McKinstry has been on the injured list for about three weeks, so it’s nice to get him back. With Javier Baez (ankle) on the injured list now, McKinstry should settle into an every-day role against right-handed pitching, but he might do so at a bunch of different positions.

McKinstry landed on the 10-day injured list on April 17, so he’ll be eligible to return whenever the Tigers decide he’s ready. The veteran utilityman was hitting .209/.261/.326 in his first 46 plate appearances of the season before the injury.

McKinstry has been battling a few ailments that he sustained when diving headfirst into home plate on Wednesday, so he’ll sit down for a bit to fully heal up. Hao-Yu Lee was recalled from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move and will make his big league debut on Friday against the Red Sox.

While none of the injuries seem overly serious, Hinch did say, “We’re going to continue to get him looked at even further.” That could mean a short trip to the injured list is in McKinstry’s future.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said afterwards that McKinstry was going to get Thursday’s series finale off anyways. The versatile 30-year-old is officially day-to-day after a collision with Royals rookie Jac Caglianone led to his early exit. It’ll likely be Wenceel Pérez getting another start on Thursday in his place.

McKinstry appeared to suffer an injury when collided with Jac Caglianone for the second time in the contest during the seventh inning. He finished 1-for-2 at the plate and was replaced by Wenceel Pérez, who promptly delivered a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning. There should be an update on his status after the game.

McKinstry was a surprising AL All-Star last year, but he’s back searching for a role this season because of Kevin McGonigle’s arrival. He was on the bench for four of the Tigers’ first nine games, even though all of those came against righties. He has, however, started the last three in a row, playing right field twice and second base once. Since he’s hitting just .222/.276/.370 in 29 at-bats, he could continue to sit semi-frequently against righties, and he definitely won’t be playing versus lefties.

Carpenter will miss his second straight contest as he deals with a stomach bug. It’ll be Zach McKinstry taking over in right field with Colt Keith at DH and occupying the leadoff spot.

The Cardinals are throwing a right-hander, so this seems like just a day off for Keith. It’s a bit unfortunate because the 24-year-old is off to a hot start and has shown some increased bat speed so far this season. Zach McKinstry will enter the starting lineup at second base and bat sixth. Hopefully, if Keith continues hitting well, the Tigers will give him fewer days off. He’s still a player we like to add in fantasy leagues right now.