Zach

McKinstry

McKinstry singled twice for the other two hits. The 29-year-old has provided “real-life” value with his versatility, but he’s not fantasy relevant with a slash of .220/.287/.352.

Jung has started against all opposing right-handers since his promotion from Triple-A Toledo, but he’ll take a seat against White Sox’ southpaw Ky Bush on Saturday. Zach McKinstry will start in his place at the hot corner and will bat eighth for the Tigers.

No word yet on the reason for the move. It’ll be Zach McKinstry taking over at shortstop on Thursday evening out in Seattle.

This will now be the fourth straight start for McKinstry, who has also started at shortstop, right field, and third base over the last week. However, despite the recent good stretch of playing time, he has not played well and the Tigers should get both Javier Baez and Parker Meadows back this weekend, which figures to send McKinstry back to the bench.

The left-handed-hitting McKinstry has certainly hit better the last two months than he did the first two, but that’s not saying much. He’s still at an awful .190/.247/.310 for the season, and while he’s probably worthy of a spot on Detroit’s roster for his versatility, he doesn’t need to be playing regularly against righties.

The 31-year-old shortstop left Saturday’s game due to soreness in his back and sat out Sunday’s first half finale. It’s troubling that the four extra days off over the break didn’t alleviate the issue at all, and a return trip to the injured list could be in the cards for Báez if he isn’t ready soon. Zach McKinstry will once again start in his place at shortstop and will bat sixth for the Tigers against right-hander Chris Bassitt on Friday night.

The shortstop was removed from the game Saturday with soreness in his back, and it’s not surprising to see Detroit not risk further injury with the All-Star break beginning Monday. Zack McKinstry is the starting shortstop and will hit seventh

Canha was used as a pinch hitter on Monday, so he is healthy but has been in a prolonged slump since May. Gio Urshela will continue to start at first base with Matt Vierling in the outfield and Zach McKinstry making his fifth straight start at third base.

Báez has been out for almost a month with spine inflammation. The veteran went 4-for-12 with one home run in four rehab games at Triple-A and will come back to the big league club. He should remain off fantasy radars, but will likely cut into Zach McKinstry’s playing time at shortstop. Ryan Kreidler was sent down in a corresponding move.

This is now the second start at shortstop McKinstry has made against right-handed pitching since Javier Baez got hurt. It seems like the 29-year-old will get the first chance at filling the strong-side platoon while Baez is out. Since it’s unclear how long Baez will be out, but it’s expected to be more than 10 days, there’s a chance for McKinstry to carve out enough playing time to be relevant in AL-only formats. That might be it for now unless he starts running like he did last season when he stole 16 bases.