Tigers Consider New Role for Colt Keith Amid Infield Shuffle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Graves | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 2:46 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers may have found a solution to a lingering infield question, and Colt Keith is at the center of it. As reported by , the Tigers are now willing to play Keith at third base.

For more than a year, Detroit avoided using him there due to a labrum injury in his right shoulder, originally suffered in June 2022 while diving back into first base in High-A West Michigan.

Though Keith avoided surgery, the injury limited his throwing and led the Tigers to stick with him at second base in 2024 and first base earlier this season.

That may now change.

Manager A.J. Hinch told reporters before Wednesday's game that Keith has recently received practice reps at the position and could used there moving forward.

"We're curious about how we can maximize this roster," Hinch said. "I don't know that it will be something that is primary, or I don't know that it's something you're going to see a lot of, but there are a lot of times during games - as we do use our whole roster - where being able to put him over there could very advantageous."

The 23-year-old now has a chance to show he can handle the defensive demands of the hot corner, as the Tigers seek more consistent offensive production from the position.

So far this season, Zach McKinstry, Andy Ibáñez, and Javier Báez have all logged multiple starts at third. But with Ibáñez limited to short-side platoon duties and both McKinstry and Báez struggling at the plate, Keith could emerge as a clear upgrade.

Since May 1, Keith is batting a robust .293/.333/.500 with three home runs and 13 RBIs in 27 games.

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

More must-reads: