Detroit Tigers Announce Kevin McGonigle Decision Before Angels Series Finale

Getty

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 24: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers singles against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on June 24, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers have gotten off to an ideal start to the back half of their season by picking up a series win over the Los Angeles Angels. Detroit is going for the sweep over the Angels on Sunday afternoon and will be sending co-ace Casey Mize (4-6, 2.79 ERA, 77 SO) to the mound. The Tigers’ offense will look to keep the bats alive against Angels’ starter Ryan Johnson.

Before the series finale between the Tigers and Angels, Detroit revealed its lineup, which features rookie phenom Kevin McGonigle in his usual spot in the batting order.

More MLB on Heavy: Los Angeles Dodgers Quietly Bring Back 2-Year MLB Pitcher During Yankees Series

Kevin McGonigle Batting Leadoff for Series Finale

After getting a rare start batting second in the Tigers’ order on Friday, Kevin McGonigle will bat leadoff (his usual spot) on Sunday afternoon.

Courtesy of @UnderdogMLB, here is the Tigers lineup for 7/19:

Tigers 7/19: “K. McGonigle SS D. Dingler DH C. Keith 3B R. Greene LF S. Torkelson 1B K. Carpenter RF H. Lee 2B J. Outman CF J. Rogers C C. Mize SP”

Underdog MLB

@UnderdogMLB · Follow

Tigers 7/19

K. McGonigle SS D. Dingler DH C. Keith 3B R. Greene LF S. Torkelson 1B K. Carpenter RF H. Lee 2B J. Outman CF J. Rogers C

C. Mize SP

1:16 pm · 19 Jul 2026

11 Reply Copy link Read 2 replies

Some notables from the lineup drop: Dillon Dingler is not catching to form a batter with Casey Mize. Instead, it will be Jake Rogers getting the start behind the dish. Against the right-handed starter, AJ Hinch is opting to pack the order with lefties.

More MLB on Heavy: Detroit Tigers Reveal Dillon Dingler Change Before Angels Game

Kevin McGonigle This Season

Along with Dillon Dingler, Kevin McGonigle has been the best and most productive hitter for the Detroit Tigers.

He’s putting together a phenomenal rookie season and will likely win the American League Rookie of the Year. Detroit inked McGonigle to a lucrative extension before the season, and they are already seeing strong returns.

Across his first 359 at-bats, McGonigle carries a batting average of .281 with 8 home runs, 19 doubles, 34 RBI, and an OPS of .806. He has 101 hits this season with 60 runs scored and a bWAR of 4.6.

As the Tigers continue to try to inch closer towards playoff positioning, Kevin McGonigle’s strong level of play will have to continue.

More MLB on Heavy: Chicago Cubs Release Former Braves Player During Twins Series