Detroit Tigers Promote Prospect Hao-Yu Lee, Place Zach McKinstry on IL
In Boston, the Tigers placed infielder Zach McKinstry on the 10-day injured list Friday. They recalled infield prospect Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo the same day.
Roster move and debut
Lee was in Wednesday’s lineup at Fenway Park. He batted eighth in the order for his big-league debut.
The club’s decision reflects Detroit Tigers Promote Prospect Hao-Yu Lee, Place Zach McKinstry on IL as a short-term roster adjustment. Manager A.J. Hinch said Lee is ready to take the next step.
Reasoning behind the call-up
The Tigers face a run of left-handed starters. Including Friday’s opponent, they will see six lefties in the next 12 games.
Lee is a right-handed hitter. Last season he posted a .558 slugging percentage and a .969 OPS versus left-handed pitching.
Prospect profile
Lee is 23 years old and ranks sixth on Detroit’s top-30 prospect list, per MLB Pipeline. Detroit acquired him in August 2023 in the trade that sent Michael Lorenzen to Philadelphia.
He missed playing in the World Baseball Classic due to an oblique issue this spring. At Triple-A Toledo this year, he is 4-for-26, but the club says his swing looks improved.
McKinstry injury update
McKinstry exited Wednesday night’s game against the Royals before the eighth inning. He collided with the ground twice, landing on his hip after a head-first slide and a follow-up trip involving Jac Caglianone.
Hinch said McKinstry is “pretty beat up” and remained in Detroit for further evaluation. The hope is for a short recovery timeline.
Other health notes
- Justin Verlander did not travel to Boston because of hip inflammation. Hinch said the team will respect the soreness and let him progress more slowly.
- Left-hander Bailey Horn paused his throwing program for elbow issues. He received a cortisone injection on Thursday.
This report appears on Filmogaz.com. Sources included team announcements and manager comments from the Tigers’ clubhouse.
