Tigers Make Dillon Dingler Decision After 2 Misses Games

Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler returned to the starting lineup Saturday after missing the club's previous two games with a right-hand contusion.

Rather than catching, Dingler was penciled in as the designated hitter for Detroit's matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing the Tigers to ease him back while keeping one of their top bats in the lineup.

The 26-year-old exited Wednesday's game against the Athletics after taking a foul tip off his throwing hand. X-rays came back negative, but lingering soreness kept him out for two games before his return. The move to designated hitter limits the stress on his throwing hand while giving Detroit an opportunity to evaluate his recovery before the All-Star break.

Dingler has been one of the Tigers' biggest offensive contributors this season, batting .264 with 19 home runs, 60 RBIs and an .841 OPS across 85 games. His breakout campaign also earned him his first American League All-Star selection, making Saturday's return another encouraging sign for both the catcher and the club.

The Tigers have every reason to be cautious with Dingler given the physical demands of catching. Using him as the designated hitter allows Detroit to keep his production in the lineup without asking him to handle defensive duties behind the plate immediately.

Detroit enters Saturday with a 44-50 record, sitting fourth in the American League Central. Despite the overall record, the Tigers have won nine of their last 10 games and continue to build momentum heading into the All-Star break.

If Dingler comes through Saturday without any setbacks, the Tigers will have another positive development as they prepare for the season's second half. His return adds another productive bat to the lineup while allowing the club to continue managing his recovery carefully.

ALSO SEE:

• MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Saturday, July 11
• NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First-Inning Predictions for Saturday, July 11
• MLB Prop Bets Today: Best MLB Player Prop Predictions for Saturday, July 11