Detroit Tigers: Ian Kinsler’s Absence Could Spell Trouble
By Brad Faber
If the Detroit Tigers are going to secure an AL Wild Card spot, they may need to do so with one of their key players on the sidelines.
After defeating the Minnesota Twins by a score of 8-1 on Tuesday night, the Detroit Tigers moved to within 1.5 games of an AL Wild Card spot. Noticeably absent from the Tigers’ lineup, however, was star second baseman Ian Kinsler.
On Sunday, Kinsler was hit in the helmet by a pitch from Cleveland Indians starter Trevor Bauer. Yesterday, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reported that Kinsler has been diagnosed with a mild concussion. Fenech cited information from head athletic trainer Kevin Rand.
Ian Kinsler has been diagnosed with a mild concussion, Tigers trainer Kevin Rand said.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) September 20, 2016
Kinsler will have to pass a concussion protocol before returning to the field, Rand said.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) September 20, 2016
Kinsler has easily been one of the Tigers’ most valuable players this season. Through 144 games, he was hitting .277/.335/.469 (117 OPS+) with 26 home runs. He leads the Tigers with a 5.0 fWAR.
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With Kinsler on the sidelines, utility man Andrew Romine started in his place on Tuesday. The Tigers also have Erick Aybar on the depth chart as well. That being said, Romine is a career .241/.298/.292 hitter, and Aybar has primarily been a shortstop throughout his career.
On the other hand, Cameron Maybin is healthy and can fill in for Kinsler in the leadoff spot. Although Victor Martinez is out with a bruised knee at the moment, the Tigers still have plenty of meat in the middle of the order as well. Manager Brad Ausmus still has the luxury of penciling Miguel Cabrera, J.D Martinez and Justin Upton into his lineup.
Going forward, the biggest concern for the Tigers may be whether or not they have enough starting pitching behind Justin Verlander and Michael Fulmer. It still remains to be seen if and when Jordan Zimmermann will make another start, and Mike Pelfrey and Anibal Sanchez have struggled as well. Youngsters Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd have proven to be a big help.
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Still, it will be difficult, if not impossible to replace what Kinsler brings to this team. The Tigers are fighting for their playoff lives with every game and there are only 12 contests left.
Depending on how much time he misses, the 34-year-old’s absence could spell trouble for Detroit’s postseason hopes.