Tigers Announce Zach McKinstry News After Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 5:37 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers (82–62) are on track to capture the organization’s first AL Central title since 2014, entering Tuesday with an 8.5-game lead in the division.

A huge reason for the team’s success has been utility man Zach McKinstry, who has emerged as a weapon wherever he lines up on the field in his sixth MLB season.

The 30-year-old failed to establish himself as a reliable offensive option for the first five years of his career across stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and then the first two years with the Tigers (joined the organization in 2023).

However, in 2025 McKinstry has taken a huge step forward at the plate and earned his first All-Star selection. Throughout 130 games for Detroit, he has posted a .266 batting average, .286 on-base percentage, .789 OPS, 11 home runs, 48 RBIs and 19 stolen bases—all career highs.

Zach McKinstry Injury Update

Entering a crucial series on Tuesday against the New York Yankees, McKinstry was originally listed in the starting lineup as the team’s shortstop and batting seventh. However, moments later, he was removed from the lineup with Trey Sweeney stepping in at shortstop.

The Tigers announced, “Zach McKinstry has been scratched with upper back stiffness.”

Zach McKinstry has been scratched with upper back stiffness.

Updated lineup ⤵️ https://t.co/tcd7lXr3OD pic.twitter.com/psSZ2IhGux
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 9, 2025

This comes at an unfortunate time for Detroit, as the team’s primary goal heading into October is keeping a fully healthy lineup. McKinstry had just lost a six-game hitting streak on Sunday and has been a weapon for manager A.J. Hinch throughout the 2025 season, keeping the lineup extremely flexible and allowing more opportunities for his teammates.

McKinstry’s status will be monitored as the regular season winds down, and he remains an important piece of a potential deep postseason run for the Tigers.

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

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