Spencer Torkelson rides bench as struggles continue for Tigers slugger

In 2025, Torkelson tied his career high with 31 home runs (which he accomplished in 2023). He also hit a career-high .240 batting average with a .789 OPS in 155 games, along with an 11.1% walk rate and 26% strikeout rate.

He remains in search of his first home run in 2026.

"For Tork, I think connecting with one might be enough for him," Hinch said. "It can click him right into being on time and hitting all pitches."

Here's the primary issue: Torkelson is swinging just 36.7% of the time this season, down from 44.6% last season – and his first-pitch swing rate has dropped to 13.6% from 31.5%. (The secondary issue: He has produced minus-2 defensive runs saved in 175⅔ innings at first base.)

The passive approach has improved his plate discipline.

His chase rate is down to 16.4% (98th percentile) and his walk rate is up to 17.3% (93rd percentile), but he is still striking out at a career-worst 28.4% clip (23rd percentile) – and when he does swing, he isn't doing damage. He has a career-worst 88.9 mph average exit velocity (41st percentile).

Torkelson probably needs to be more aggressive.

"He's been pretty patient or passive, whichever way you want to look at it, on pitches," Hinch said. "Find a happy medium on how aggressive to be and continue to get good pitches to hit, then it just comes down to execution."

NEWCOMER: Hao-Yu Lee makes MLB debut: Hotel nerves to Fenway Park lights

With Torkelson benched, Colt Keith received his third start at first base (after previously starting there April 1 and April 8). The 24-year-old is hitting .317 with a .777 OPS in 19 games, becoming one of the Tigers' most consistent hitters through the first 13.6% of the season.

The Tigers optioned Torkelson to Triple-A Toledo twice in his first three seasons because of performance issues. In his fifth season, he has time to fix his struggles, but it could require a change to his approach.

Right now, he's passive at the plate.

He needs to be aggressive.

"This is a tough sport mentally to get started in a season like this for him, but it doesn’t mean it’s not in there," Hinch said. "It doesn't mean that he can’t have a good day. One or two good things go his way, you can see him take off."

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers bench Spencer Torkelson amid struggles vs Boston Red Sox