Tigers Reveal Riley Greene Update as Starting Lineup Looks to Get Back to .500
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The Detroit Tigers continue to defy the odds, just as they have for the last two seasons. Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians offers the Tigers a chance to reach the .500 mark for the first time since May 4 and to grab their first series victory over their rivals in the 2026 campaign.
On the backs of youngsters Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark, Detroit beat the Guardians at Comerica Park, even if the bullpen almost blew another late-inning lead. Sending Framber Valdez to the mound, looking to continue his hot stretch, against the Guardians on Wednesday, the lineup has to be great once again.
Detroit hasn't taken a series against Cleveland since they eliminated them in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card last season, so regardless of how the Guardians have played recently, this won't be an easy task for the Tigers.
Especially since Riley Greene won't be in the lineup.
Riley Greene Injury Update
Greene exited Tuesday's game with a hamstring injury, which he suffered while rounding the bases on a Spencer Torkelson RBI double. Greene reached base via a hit-by-pitch to the shin by Tanner Bibee in his only plate appearance of the night.
As announced by Tigers PR on X (formerly Twitter), the three-time All-Star has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. This is the first time Greene has been on the IL since July 2024 due to a hamstring strain.
To fill in for Greene, outfielder Corey Julks has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo. Julks was signed by the organization this offseason and has some MLB experience under his belt, having played for the Houston Astros in 2023 and the Chicago White Sox from 2024 to 2025.
To make room for Julks on the 40-man roster, RHP Troy Watson was designated for assignment.
With the Mud Hens, Julks holds a .273 AVG with 15 home runs, 54 RBIs and an OPS of .800 in 322 at-bats this season.
Additional roster moves:
Left-handed pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus is back with the club, returning from the paternity list. Right-hander Yilber Diaz has been sent back down to Triple-A with De Jesus's return.
Tigers Reveal Starting Lineup Behind Valdez
Here's how Tigers manager A.J. Hinch will set the starting lineup.
1. DH Gleyber Torres
2. C Dillon Dingler
3. 3B Kevin McGonigle
4. 2B Hao-Yu Lee
5. 1B Spencer Torkelson
6. LF Ben Malgeri
7. SS Javier Baez
8. CF Max Clark
9. RF Corey Julks
Torkelson is a player to keep an eye on, as his production has increased significantly at the plate, entering the game with a .228 batting average. In August, Torkelson holds a .351 AVG, six RBIs, and 13 hits, only two of which are extra-base knocks.
The Tigers' first baseman is once again riding a five-game hitting streak after breaking it on Aug 5. in Seattle. If Torkelson produces this way and adds in some power, Detroit's offense suddenly gets that much deeper.
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Dominic Minchella is a 2024 Eastern Michigan University graduate with a BA in Communications, Media, and Theatre Arts and a Journalism minor. He covers Major League Baseball for On SI and spends his free time watching games and sharing his insights.