DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers are switching up their batting order for the season’s first clash with the division-rival Minnesota Twins.
For the majority of the season, the Tigers have gone with Parker Meadows at the top of the lineup against right-handed pitchers. But on Friday against Twins ace Pablo Lopez, A.J. Hinch has decided to switch it up.
Riley Greene, who’s sporting a .340 on-base percentage, will get the nod, with Meadows dropping down to No. 7. Greene leads the team with three homers, but also has more strikeouts (nine) than hits (eight).
Mark Canha has spent the vast majority of the first 11 games in the No. 5 slot, but he’ll move up into the all-important No. 2 hole for Friday’s game. Canha has been the team’s best offensive player, with a .372 OBP, two homers, and two doubles.
Here’s a look at the full lineup for Friday:
- Riley Greene, LF
- Mark Canha, RF
- Spencer Torkelson, 1B
- Kerry Carpenter, DH
- Colt Keith, 2B
- Gio Urshela, 3B
- Parker Meadows, CF
- Javier Báez, SS
- Jake Rogers, C
The rest of the lineup looks similar to what Hinch has featured against righties.
Rookie Colt Keith moves up one spot to No. 5 after spending most of his first two weeks hitting sixth. Gio Urshela, who leads the team (by far) with 12 hits and a .387 average, is up to sixth.
Javier Baez and his .323 OPS remain in the No. 8 hole, while the only player on the team with more strikeouts -- Jake Rogers (12) -- bats ninth.