Zach McKinstry has been activated from the injured list by the Detroit Tigers and started at third base against the Boston Red Sox. Zack Short was designated for assignment to make room for McKinstry.
Zach McKinstry is back.
The Detroit Tigers activated McKinstry, a 31-year-old utility player, from the injured list Tuesday, May 5, before the second of three games against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. He showed up in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game at third base, batting eighth.
To make room, shortstop Zack Short was designated for assignment.
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Detroit Tigers third baseman Zach McKinstry (39) celebrates after scoring in the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
McKinstry hasn't played for the Tigers since April 15, when he suffered injuries on three separate plays against the Kansas City Royals.
He has been recovering from what the Tigers described as left hip and abdominal inflammation.
It was much more than that.
As McKinstry explained, he suffered a severe muscle tear off his pelvic bone and thought he could miss six to eight weeks, but the location of the tear resulted in a quicker-than-expected rehab process.
Six days after the injury, McKinstry reached 80% of his regular sprint speed. From there, he had to build up to game speed for all baseball activities.
Zach McKinstry was activated to return to the Tigers' lineup after recovering from an injury.
Zack Short was designated for assignment to make room for Zach McKinstry on the roster.
Zach McKinstry plays as a utility player, specifically starting at third base in his return.
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In 14 games, McKinstry is hitting .209 with one home run, three walks and 10 strikeouts. He has logged 48 innings at second base, 33 innings in right field and 22â innings at third base.
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 roster: Zach McKinstry back from injury; Zack Short cut