The Detroit Tigers lineup is much deeper now that top prospect Kevin McGonigle has made the 26‑man Opening Day roster. The Tigers starting rotation remains the team’s biggest strength, especially after signing left‑hander Framber Valdez in free agency, but if they want to make real noise in October, the offense will have to produce.
Several players are coming off career‑best seasons, including utility man Zach McKinstry, who broke out in a major way last year. The 31‑year‑old posted a .259 batting average, .333 on‑base percentage, .771 OPS, 12 home runs and 49 RBIs across 144 games while earning his first All‑Star selection.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
As the Tigers prepare for Thursday’s Opening Day matchup on the road against the San Diego Padres, the team made a surprising decision by leaving McKinstry out of the starting lineup entirely.
Despite his ability to play multiple positions, manager A.J. Hinch opted to begin the season with McKinstry on the bench. Instead, McGonigle drew the start at third base, Javier Baez opened at shortstop and Parker Meadows got the nod in center field.
All three spots were realistic options for McKinstry, but he will begin the year waiting for his opportunity.
Baez remains the stronger defensive shortstop, which likely influenced Hinch’s decision, and this may become a common theme throughout the season. Even with McKinstry’s versatility, Hinch has plenty of lineup combinations to choose from.
McKinstry is entering his fourth year with Detroit and is expected to play a key role as the Tigers aim for a third straight trip to the MLB playoffs.
Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, McKinstry made his MLB debut with them before being traded to the Chicago Cubs, who later dealt him to Detroit. He remains under team control for two more seasons.
For a Tigers team with postseason expectations, McKinstry’s ability to impact games all over the field will be essential as the season unfolds.
