Tigers Announce Zach McKinstry News Before Brewers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 21, 2026 7:15 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers have been limited flexibility wise since losing utility man Zach McKinstry to left hip inflammation six days ago. The 30-year-old suffered the setback during last Wednesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals.

He was bruised initially on a headfirst slide at home and later in a collision while playing the hot corner. Understanding McKinstry’s long-term importance to the club, the Tigers moved him to the 10-day injured list to ensure he recovers properly. It could also serve as a needed reset.

While he continued to provide solid defense all around the diamond, he had gotten off to a slow start offensively, posting a .209 batting average, .261 on-base percentage, .586 OPS, one home run and five RBIs across his first 14 games.

Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry (39)© Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

McKinstry is clearly capable of much more. Last season, he reached his full potential, making his first All-Star appearance and taking home a Silver Slugger Award. Detroit needs him in the lineup if it hopes to make a third straight postseason appearance this year.

Fortunately for the Tigers, McKinstry has already progressed in his rehab. The club announced updates on all of their injured players before Tuesday’s series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, and McKinstry was included on the report.

The Tigers announced that he is completing rehab work daily and, most importantly, has resumed light baseball activity, his first time doing so since suffering the hip inflammation last week (h/t Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic).

Tigers medical update: Justin Verlander is scheduled to throw a bullpen tomorrow

Zach McKinstry is in Lakeland and doing light baseball activity pic.twitter.com/mO11Q5b6Fa
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) April 21, 2026

It remains unclear whether McKinstry will require a rehab assignment, and that will depend on how long he remains on the injured list. Still, this is a clear step in the right direction.

The Tigers have been on a roll, winners of eight of their last 10 games, and if McKinstry returns sooner rather than later, they can once again find themselves positioned as one of the best teams in the American League. His return will only strengthen a roster that is trending in the right direction.

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

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