MLB Player News

McKinstry is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.

McKinstry had started in each of Detroit's last three games, but he could be at risk of falling into more of a part-time role after the Tigers reinstated Gleyber Torres from the 10-day injured list Tuesday. Since the beginning of May, the Tigers rank 29th in the majors with a .287 wOBA, and McKinstry has played a major part in the team's offensive struggles. During that stretch, McKinstry is slashing just .127/.238/.141 over 86 plate appearances.

Kirk (thumb) could be activated from the injured list early next week, with Blue Jays manager John Schneider indicating the catcher would need about 20 at-bats on his rehab assignment before being ready to rejoin the lineup, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Kirk will begin his rehab stint at Single-A Dunedin on Wednesday, and depending on whether he's allowed to play on consecutive days right away, he could have time to get in 20 at-bats by the weekend. The organization might elect to be a little more cautious with the 27-year-old given that he last saw big-league action April 3, but with the Jays sliding in the standings and looking for a spark, they'll want their starting backstop back in the lineup as soon as possible. Tyler Heineman and Brandon Valenzuela will continue holding down the fort behind the plate until Kirk is cleared to return.

Perez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.

Perez will head to the bench for the series finale, ending a streak of 12 consecutive starts for the 26-year-old. Though he slugged four home runs during that stretch of action, Perez batted just .178, which actually brought his season-long average up to .170. Despite Perez's struggles, he still looks as though he'll have a fairly clear path to a near-everyday role in the Detroit outfield unless the Tigers elect to promote top prospect Max Clark from Triple-A Toledo.

Suarez gave up a hit and struck out two in 1.1 scoreless innings Tuesday to record his ninth hold of the season in a win over the Blue Jays.

The veteran righty continues to excel as Atlanta's primary setup man for closer Raisel Iglesias. Suarez has been scored upon just once in his last 19 appearances, delivering a 0.46 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB over 19.2 innings during that stretch while collecting two wins, four saves and seven holds.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Wednesday that Madden has been shifted to the bullpen, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Madden has pitched well in a starting and bulk-relief role this season, authoring a 3.07 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB over 14.2 innings. However, with Justin Verlander (hip) slated to return from the injured list early next week and Tarik Skubal (elbow) not far behind him, there's no room for Madden in the Detroit rotation.

Caissie is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

Caissie will hit the bench along with fellow left-handed hitters Liam Hicks and Jakob Marsee while southpaw Andrew Alvarez starts for the Nationals. Heriberto Hernandez will pick up a start in the corner outfield in place of Caissie, who has produced a .321/.406/.536 slash line with one home run, 10 RBI and three runs over his last 10 games.

Verlander (hip) is likely to return from the 15-day injured list to make a start during the Tigers' series with the Twins next week, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Ty Madden has been shifted to a bullpen role, clearing the path for Verlander's return to the rotation. The 43-year-old threw 64 pitches over five shutout innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, and it's expected to be the only rehab outing he'll need before returning to the Tigers' active roster. Verlander has been shelved by left hip inflammation since early April.

Marsee is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

Marsee will hit the bench along with fellow left-handed hitters Liam Hicks and Owen Caissie while southpaw Andrew Alvarez starts for the Nationals. Esteury Ruiz will cover center field in place of Marsee.

Hicks is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

Left-hander Andrew Alvarez is starting for the Nationals on Wednesday, so the Marlins will go with a right-handed-heavy lineup for the series finale. Hicks will hit the bench along with fellow left-handed hitters Owen Caissie and Jakob Marsee.

Durbin went 1-for-3 with a double in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Orioles.

He's still hitting ninth in the order, but Durbin seems to have regained a full-time job at third base thanks to a surge that has seen him produce an extra-base hit in five straight games while batting .350 (7-for-20) with four doubles, a triple, one run and six RBI. If the former Brewer is beginning to learn how to play wall ball off the Green Monster in his new home park, Durbin could still turn around what has been a tough start to his Red Sox tenure.