Yes, the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers are set to face off in another MLB series. The Tigers and Yankees played earlier last week, and will now play a three-game set (in the Bronx).
New York is coming off being swept by the Boston Red Sox in a four-game series over the weekend, and Detroit is fresh off a series loss to the Houston Astros. Detroit’s playoff chances seem to be fading by the day, but for game one of the Yankees-Tigers series, Detroit will roll with Casey Mize (2-5, 2.95 ERA, 58 SO), who has not received any run support this season.
Before the first game of the series, the Tigers are also making a very notable Kevin McGonigle change with his role in the starting lineup.
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Kevin McGonigle Hitting 3rd in Series Opener
GettyDETROIT, MI – JUNE 27: Kerry Carpenter #30 of the Detroit Tigers, right, celebrates with Colt Keith #33, Spencer Torkelson #20 and Kevin McGonigle #7 after hitting a grand slam against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Comerica Park on June 27, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
In the series opener against the New York Yankees, Kevin McGonigle is batting third for the Tigers, which is a notable change from his recent duties hitting either leadoff of second.
Tigers 6/29: “M. Vierling LF D. Dingler C K. McGonigle 3B S. Torkelson 1B H. Lee 2B J. Jones DH Z. McKinstry SS B. Malgeri RF J. Outman CF C. Mize SP”
M. Vierling LF D. Dingler C K. McGonigle 3B S. Torkelson 1B H. Lee 2B J. Jones DH Z. McKinstry SS B. Malgeri RF J. Outman CF
C. Mize SP
It’s a very interesting change because the Yankees are rolling with southpaw Ryan Weathers as their series-opening starter, and in the past five games, Kevin McGonigle has hit leadoff in every single contest.
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Kevin McGonigle This Season…
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 31: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers rounds second base before scoring during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on May 31, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
After such a strong first half of his rookie season, Kevin McGonigle should absolutely be considered the favorite to win American League Rookie of the Year.
Over 81 games this season, McGonigle has a bWAR of 4.1 with 6 home runs, 85 hits, 18 doubles, and more walks than strikeouts. His OPS+ sits at 126 in his first 300+ MLB at-bats.
Detroit is already seeing some fruitful returns after inking Kevin McGonigle to a nine-year, $150 million contract extension this year.
However, Detroit’s nightmare continues, but at least the Tigers have found their franchise star.
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Detroit Tigers Make Interesting Kevin McGonigle Change Before Yankees Series