Zack McKinstry Update: A.J. Hinch Shares Update Before Red Sox Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Oscar Martines | Last updated May 5, 2026 4:22 PM ET

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch announced that second baseman Zack McKinstry will be activated from the injured list and add him back into the starting lineup. The decision to bring him up also involved infielder Zack Short being Designated for Assignment.

While speaking with Chris McCosky of The Detroit News on Monday, Hinch spoke positively about McKinstry's recovery, and even hinted that the second baseman's return to the starting lineup would come soon. "He's trending to be back as early as (Tuesday)," Hinch said. (h/t Chris McCosky of The Detroit News)

McKinstry's return to the starting lineup could not have come at a better time for the Tigers as the team are actively making a push to maintain themselves at the top of the AL Central. The Tigers are currently in first place, and with McKinstry making his return, they'll look to break out and further themselves from the following pack as much as possible.

Tigers will reinstate Zach McKinstry from injured list today and put him in lineup tonight vs. Red Sox, manager A.J. Hinch told @MLBNetworkRadio. Gleyber Torres still iffy.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) May 5, 2026

McKinstry was placed on the 10-day injured list after being diagnosed with a bruised hip after being tripped during the seventh inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals. Although he was already set to rest the next game, the Tigers made the decision to put him on the injured list to avoid any further complications.

During McKinstry's first 14 games for the Tigers this season, he was connecting with a .209 batting average, including one home run and 5 RBIs. McKinstry has played for the Tigers since 2023,back-to-back postseason appearances for Detroit during the 2024 and 2025 MLB seasons.

McKinstry made his MLB debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the shortened MLB season in 2020. After spending three seasons in Los Angeles, McKinstry was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he played the entire 2023 season before making a move to Detroit.

Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

McKinstry's injury isn't the only thing the Tigers have struggled with this season, as the team have also had to deal with star pitcher Tarek Skubal undergoing left elbow surgery to deal with loose bodies. With the team having to maneuver around a difficult injury, the return of McKinstry to the starting lineup gives the Tigers a bit of ease at they continue to figure out how to deal with their other absences.

The Tigers might be sitting in first place in the AL Central with an 18-18 record, but their competition only sit a few games behind them. The team will look to return to the playoffs for a third straight season after falling short to the Seattle Mariners in the 2024 ALDS.

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

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