Tigers Receive Exciting News Before ALDS Against Mariners

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 4, 2025 2:22 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers’ offense finally broke through in Game 3 of the AL wild card round against the division rival Cleveland Guardians, powering a 6–3 win in a decisive elimination game. With the victory, Detroit has advanced to face the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has frequently deployed different lineups in order to put his players in the best possible position to succeed at the plate. He especially had to make notable changes in the wild card round due to the absence of Colt Keith.

The 24-year-old left-handed slugger has primarily operated as Detroit’s third baseman, yet Keith has the ability to play any position on the field aside from shortstop. Keith suffered a right rib cage injury on Sept. 18, forcing him to be placed on the injured list the following day and effectively ending his regular season.

Detroit Tigers third baseman Colt Keith (33) © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

While Keith missed the wild card round, Detroit had been holding out hope for his return during the ALDS against Seattle. Keith had made significant progress over the past week, throwing and hitting without experiencing any discomfort.

The Tigers announced their roster for the ALDS on Saturday and Keith has made his return to the active roster after missing the team’s last 12 games, including the postseason.

Your ALDS Tigers ⤵️#BuiltForOctober pic.twitter.com/4z7oJraj3M
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) October 4, 2025

Keith has taken a step forward in his second full season in the big leagues after debuting in 2024. Over 137 appearances, Keith posted a .256 batting average, .333 on-base percentage, .746 OPS, 13 home runs and 45 RBIs.

In Keith’s absence, the Tigers had been using versatility man Zach McKinstry to plug in at the hot corner. However, with McKinstry handling third base duties, it created holes elsewhere with Hinch being forced to play less optimal bats in the lineup.

Keith will look to lengthen an inconsistent Tigers lineup that has struggled to produce with runners in scoring position, which contributed to a Game 2 loss against Cleveland. During the regular season, Keith thrived with RISP, owning a .276 batting average, .837 OPS and four home runs in 87 at-bats. The Tigers will look to reach the ALCS for the first time since 2013, with Keith now back in the lineup.

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

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