The Detroit Tigers are off to a disappointing and inconsistent start to the 2026 MLB season, entering Monday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians with a record of 20-27, fourth in the American League Central. Despite reaching the ALDS just a season ago, the Tigers have struggled to build momentum while battling injuries and inconsistent offensive production.
Veteran infielder Gleyber Torres has been a stable presence for the Tigers since his arrival in Detroit in 2024, though the 29-year-old three-time All-Star has dealt with setbacks of his own after missing time this season with an oblique injury. Torres has been sidelined since May 2. Prior to the injury, Torres was batting .259 with an OPS of .716 in 32 games.
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Away from the field, Torres recently shared a message on Instagram after former teammate Gio Urshela appeared to announce his retirement from professional baseball. Urshela posted an emotional farewell message thanking his family, teammates, coaches, fans and the organizations that helped shape his MLB career.
Torres reacted to Urshela’s announcement on his Instagram story. He added the message "Disfruta esta nueva etapa hermano,” which in English means "enjoy this new chapter brother," in a tribute to his former New York Yankees teammate.
Urshela spent ten seasons in the Major Leagues and batted .270 with an OPS of .722 while hitting 73 home runs in 851 career games. Across his MLB career, the veteran infielder spent time with the Cleveland Guardians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves and the Athletics.
Urshela and Torres spent three seasons together on the Yankees from 2019 to 2021, developing a deep friendship that extended far beyond baseball. Urshela is the godfather to Torres’ son, and the two even co-own an indoor baseball facility in Tampa, Florida.
As Torres continues working through a challenging season in Detroit, his public reaction to Urshela’s retirement showcases one of the great friendships baseball has seen in recent years.
