Tigers Announce Colt Keith News After Leaving Guardians Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 2:46 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers have been sliding in the standings, and although they are likely heading to the postseason, the red-hot Cleveland Guardians sit just 4.5 games behind them for first place in the AL Central entering Thursday. With the Tigers set to face the Guardians four more times before the season ends, Detroit must keep their foot on the gas in order to clinch their first division title since 2014.

Tigers infielder Colt Keith has been a huge part of the team’s success this year, taking a step forward offensively in his second season in the big leagues. The 23-year-old has been a versatile piece for manager A.J. Hinch, frequently making starts at every position on the infield besides shortstop. Over 136 appearances this year, Keith has posted a .254 batting average, .332 on-base percentage, .741 OPS, 13 home runs and 44 RBIs.

Tigers Share Colt Keith Injury Update

During Thursday’s matchup with Cleveland, Keith doubled off Tanner Bibee, driving in Spencer Torkelson to give Detroit a 1-0 lead early. Keith would be stranded on second base, but the trouble began when he walked off the field holding his lower back.

Keith alerted Hinch and then walked down into the tunnel with trainers, leaving the game early. Trey Sweeney entered the game, moving to shortstop while Zach McKinstry slid over to third base. With concerns mounting over Keith’s status, the Tigers announced he had left the game due to lower back tightness.

"Colt Keith left today's game with low back tightness, the Tigers say. He remains under evaluation," wrote The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen.

Colt Keith left today's game with low back tightness, the Tigers say. He remains under evaluation
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) September 18, 2025

With just two weeks remaining in the season, losing Keith for an extended amount of time would test Detroit’s depth and remove a versatile left-handed bat from the lineup.

This lower back injury also may have been a reason for Keith’s struggles in the month of September, as he’s gone 9-for-41 with just one extra-base hit over 14 games, although it is unknown when it originally developed. Keith’s status will be monitored throughout the final two weeks of the season as October approaches.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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