The Detroit Tigers are set to begin the second half of their season with a three-game weekend set with the Los Angeles Angels.
Detroit has not had the season it has hoped for, but there is still time to turn things around, as the Tigers are just six games out of a playoff spot. However, it will require a string of wins if they are to do so.
Before the series opener against the Angels, Detroit released its lineup, which features a notable Kevin McGonigle decision.
More MLB on Heavy: Will the Cubs-Twins Game Be Played Today? Monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Chicago as Dangerous Wildfires Persist
Kevin McGonigle Batting 2nd in Series Opener
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MAY 22: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 22, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Detroit Tigers, ahead of their series opener with the Angels, released their lineup for 7/17. Here it is, courtesy of @UnderdogMLB:
Tigers 7/17: “M. Vierling CF K. McGonigle 3B D. Dingler C S. Torkelson 1B R. Greene LF E. Valencia DH H. Lee 2B B. Malgeri RF Z. McKinstry SS T. Melton SP”
Notably, Kevin McGonigle is batting second. He’s usually the Tigers’ leadoff man, and with Zack McKinstry at shortstop, McGonigle is playing third. Troy Melton (5–1, 1.82 ERA, 41 SO) is getting the start for the series opener, and the Tigers’ batting order will have to muster some offense against Red Detmers.Â
It’s also good news that Dillon Dingler is batting cleanup, as before the All-Star break, he had beed absent from the lineup due to a hand issue.
More MLB on Heavy: Toronto Blue Jays Reveal Roster Move on Recently Signed 5-Year MLB Player Before White Sox Series
Kevin McGonigle This Season
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 29: Zach McKinstry #39 of the Detroit Tigers, Hao-Yu Lee #50 of the Detroit Tigers and Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers celebrate after the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 29, 2026 in New York City. The Detroit Tigers won 7-3. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
Kevin McGonigle, as a rookie, was named to the All-Star team and is clearly the favorite to win American League Rookie of the Year.
Across his first 350 at-bats, McGonigle has tallied a bWAR of 4.6 with 99 total hits, 18 doubles, and eight total home runs. His OPS+ is 126.
The All-Star Game was a good hometown reunion for Kevin McGonigle, who is from the Philadelphia area.
More MLB on Heavy: Los Angeles Dodgers Injured Star Still Owed $36 Million Per Year
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Detroit Tigers Announce Kevin McGonigle Decision Before Angels Game appeared first on HEAVY.