The Detroit Tigers are currently taking on the Kansas City Royals in a four-game weekend series, which started on Thursday.
With Tarik Skubal on the mound Friday, Detroit picked up a 2-1 win and has won the first two games of the series. The Tigers are slowly trying to claw (no pun intended) their way back into the AL playoff picture.
Game three of the Tigers-Royals series features an afternoon showdown (at Comerica Park). Notably, on Friday, Kevin McGonigle was not in the Tigers batting order, so before the Royals game, Detroit revealed its lineup, and, in turn, McGonigle’s status for the game.
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Kevin McGonigle Back in Tigers Batting Order
GettyANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 18, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
The Tigers and Royals are kicking off a packed MLB slate on Saturday afternoon. Here is Detroit’s official lineup for 7/25, courtesy of @UnderdogMLB:
Tigers 7/25: “C. Keith 1B K. McGonigle SS G. Torres 2B K. Carpenter DH R. Greene LF H. Lee 3B Z. McKinstry RF M. Vierling CF J. Rogers C C. Mize SP”
C. Keith 1B K. McGonigle SS G. Torres 2B K. Carpenter DH R. Greene LF H. Lee 3B Z. McKinstry RF M. Vierling CF J. Rogers C
C. Mize SP
A few notables from the lineup drop: Well, for one, Kevin McGonigle is back in the Tigers order, and Gleyber Torres (after DHing on Friday) is back at 2B. McGonigle is playing shortstop, and Hao-Yu Lee is at third base.
Casey Mize is getting the start for Detroit, and it’s a solid pitching matchup, with Michael Wacha going for the Royals.
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Kevin McGonigle with the Tigers This Season
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 22: Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs tags out Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers stealing second during the third inning of the game at Wrigley Field on July 22, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Zoe Davis/Getty Images)
The Detroit Tigers are 50-54, which is in relative striking distance in both the AL Wild Card picture and for first place in the AL Central. They are five games back of the Chicago White Sox, and are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
As for Kevin McGonigle, he’s been a revelation for the Tigers this season.
Over his first 100 MLB games, he leads the American League with a 4.9 bWAR this season.
His OPS+ is 126, and McGonigle should definitely be considered the favorite to win the American League Rookie of the Year award.
He’s batting .281 over his first 377 at-bats with nine home runs, 106 hits, 20 doubles, and 11 stolen bases.
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