Colt Keith scratched from Tigers lineup, Hao-Yu Lee to start vs Jays

TORONTO - The Detroit Tigers altered their lineup for the game against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 14, 2023, removing Colt Keith and inserting Hao-Yu Lee. Keith was sidelined due to left thumb soreness, which had developed after a foul ball incident earlier in the day. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch explained that Lee would start in the third spot and bat ninth, while Keith would serve as the backup. Lee's career-high start provided a confidence boost for the Tigers.

The starting lineup featured Kevin McGonigle at shortstop, Gleyber Torres at second, Riley Greene as the designated hitter, Dillon Dingler at catcher, Brett Callahan in left field, Max Clark in center, Spencer Torkelson at first base, Zach McKinstry in right field, and Hao-Yu Lee at third base. The Tigers activated Keider Montero from the paternity list and optioned right-handed pitcher Yilber Diaz to Triple-A Toledo.

Montero was expected to start on Wednesday, while Diaz pitched briefly in the previous game, striking out two and allowing one hit.

Hinch expressed his confidence in McGonigle, acknowledging his 6.3 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) performance as a rookie, which was tied for third among position players overall. Hinch considered McGonigle the American League Rookie of the Year, emphasizing his consistency and overall performance throughout the season.