Tigers’ Zach McKinstry Returns; Mud Hens Manager Gabe Alvarez Dismissed

In a flurry of updates for the Detroit Tigers, manager A.J. Hinch confirmed on MLB Radio that infielder Zach McKinstry is set to return from the injured list for tonight’s game against the Boston Red Sox. McKinstry’s absence stemmed from hip and abdominal inflammation, injuries sustained during two collisions in a mid-April series against the Kansas City Royals. The most significant incident involved a collision with Jac Caglione while attempting to field a ground ball.

In addition to McKinstry’s return, Hinch addressed the status of Gleyber Torres, who remains day-to-day due to tightness in the left side of his torso, likely a mild oblique strain. While Torres is expected to avoid a stint on the injured list, he is not yet ready to return to the field, having last played on Saturday. The Tigers are feeling the strain on their infield depth, particularly with Javier Báez also sidelined due to an ankle injury.

To bolster their roster, the Tigers have signed veteran infielder Paul deJong to a minor league deal. DeJong, who played for the Washington Nationals in 2025, has experience at both shortstop and third base. In 208 plate appearances last season, he posted a .228/.269/.373 batting line, including six home runs and four stolen bases. He will be assigned to Triple-A Toledo as the Tigers seek to shore up their infield options.

In a surprising turn of events, the Tigers have also terminated the contract of Toledo Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez. Alvarez, who was considered a rising star within the organization after leading the Double-A Erie SeaWolves to consecutive Eastern League Championships in 2023 and 2024, was let go for a violation of club policy. The details surrounding his dismissal remain undisclosed, but hitting coach Mike Hessman has stepped in as the interim manager. Alvarez’s departure is particularly notable given his crucial role in guiding several of the Tigers’ top prospects to the majors, and he was viewed as a potential candidate for a major league managerial position or a role in player development within the front office.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.