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Where is Tigers' Jahmai Jones? Lefty killer out vs left-handed starter
TL;DR
Jahmai Jones was absent from the Detroit Tigers' lineup against left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans due to illness. This was the Tigers' first matchup against a lefty in the 2026 season.
The Detroit Tigers have been waiting.
And Jahmai Jones has been waiting.
Finally, the Tigers matched up against a left-handed starting pitcher Tuesday, April 14, for the first time in the 2026 season, facing Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans – only Jones wasn't in the starting lineup despite his role as a weapon against lefties.
"He came up sick," manager A.J. Hinch said before Tuesday's game.
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Detroit Tigers right fielder Jahmai Jones (18) breaks his bat during an at bat against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning at Target Field in Minneapolis on Monday, April 6, 2026.
The Tigers matched up with right-handed starters in each of their first 16 games – the longest streak to start the season since the Tigers faced 18 righties in a row in 2019.
It's a missed opportunity for Jones to start.
But it's not his fault.
"He's had a rough 24 hours," Hinch said. "I had him in the original lineup and then got notified this morning that he's not feeling well. We're not going to put him out there with where he's at right now."
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Jones – a right-handed hitter – has appeared in seven of the 16 games for the Tigers, though he hasn't started any of them. The 28-year-old is hitting .000 (0-for-10) with zero walks and four strikeouts, receiving six plate appearances against left-handed relievers.
He remains in search of his first start – and his first hit.
The next chance?
The Tigers clash with Royals left-hander Kris Bubic in Thursday's series finale.
"He's going to be fine," Hinch said.
This story will be updated.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Jahmai Jones out with sickness vs Cole Ragans
Q&A
Why was Jahmai Jones not in the lineup against the Royals?
Jahmai Jones was not in the lineup because he came up sick, according to manager A.J. Hinch.
Who is the left-handed starter the Tigers faced on April 14, 2026?
The Tigers faced left-handed starter Cole Ragans from the Kansas City Royals on April 14, 2026.
What is Jahmai Jones' role against left-handed pitchers?
Jahmai Jones is considered a weapon against left-handed pitchers, making his absence notable during the matchup.