Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle gets rest, held from starting lineup

Minneapolis — Manager AJ Hinch warned this day was coming. And it won’t be the last one.

Rookie Kevin McGonigle was not in the Tigers’ starting lineup Thursday for the finale against the Twins. It was his first non-start day of the season.

“All these guys need a little recovery,” Hinch said. “There’s not a game we’re going to play where I don’t want him in the lineup. But that doesn’t mean we can’t pay attention to the workload we’re putting on him.”

Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle is not starting Thursday's game at the Minnesota Twins.

McGonigle, 21, has played every inning in the club’s first 12 games. He leads the team with 14 hits and his .808 OPS is third highest. Hinch understands the optics of sitting one of his best hitters during a four-game losing streak are bad.

But there are broader issues at hand.

“I know when things aren’t necessarily going our way there’s the thought that these guys can just continue on,” Hinch said. “But we have a plan and we’re going to stick with it. There’s going to be more (off days for McGonigle). We are going to be very aware of what we’re putting on this young guy.”

Hinch was hopeful of giving McGonigle the entire game off. But, just like he did with Spencer Torkelson and Parker Meadows on their day off Wednesday, he won’t hesitate to insert him if the game calls for it.

Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com

@cmccosky

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit TIgers rookie Kevin McGonigle does not start vs. Twins