Zach

McKinstry

No surprise since Carpenter has been battling a lingering heel issue for the last week, which led to his early exit from Sunday’s series finale against the Royals. It could wind up becoming an injured list situation if he’s not feeling better in a couple days, especially since the Tigers are trying to remain in playoff contention heading up to next week’s trade deadline. It’ll be versatile Zach McKinstry taking over in right field in his absence.

It will be his fourth day off out of 104 for the Tigers if he doesn’t make an appearance at some point. Tough timing for fantasy managers with the Royals starting RHP Beck Way. Zach McKinstry will cover shortstop for the Tigers today.

McKinstry jumped on an 0-1 fastball from Hunter Brown and swatted it for a 386-foot (95.8-mph) two-run shot that just got over the wall in right center. That gave the Tigers an early lead, but they wouldn’t be able to hang onto it. McKinstry finished the afternoon 2-for-5 and is slashing a ghastly .191/.279/.295 with three homers and 14 RBI on the season.

With left-hander Sean Newcomb toeing the slab for the White Sox, Keith will have to wait to make his entrance into the ballgame until the Pale Hose go to the bullpen. Zach McKinstry will start at shortstop and bat ninth while Kevin McGonigle slides over to cover the hot corner.

Keith’s departure from Detroit’s lineup comes after an epic three-homer explosion during Monday’s series opener at Daikin Park. The 24-year-old corner infielder is presumably day-to-day for now. Rookie sensation Kevin McGonigle moves over to cover the hot corner with Zach McKinstry taking over at shortstop.

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.