DETROIT – Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch addressed several roster and injury updates before Game 2 against the New York Yankees, including the promotion of outfielder Ben Malgeri and the latest on multiple injured players.
The Tigers selected Malgeri’s contract and added him to the major league roster, while sending Trei Cruzback to Triple-A Toledo.
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Hinch said the move was made in part because Detroit is facing left-handed pitching and wanted another offensive option.
“We continue to want to take advantage of the best we can with our personnel and find different ways to attack the opponent,” Hinch said.
Malgeri, who is expected to receive starts during the series, earned the opportunity after a strong run in the minor leagues.
Hinch praised the 25-year-old’s consistency and ability to make adjustments.
“He’s hit his way here,” Hinch said. “He’s just continued to open eyes when given the opportunity.”
Hinch said Malgeri brings versatility, noting he can play all three outfield positions, though he is expected to spend most of his time in the corners.
“He can hold his own,” Hinch said. “He’s very comfortable on the corners for sure.”
Hinch also highlighted the work of Detroit’s player development staff in helping Malgeri reach the majors after being selected in the late rounds of the draft.
“It’s not always the high-round draft pick. It’s not always the crystal-clear path,” Hinch said. “You can get here in a lot of different ways.”
Injury updates
The roster move comes as Detroit continues to manage several injuries.
Hinch said pitcher Jack Flaherty has begun a rehab assignment in Erie, while outfielder Wenceel Pérez has returned to Detroit for further evaluation.
Pérez will not be with the team or on the field while he continues his recovery.
Hinch also provided an update on outfielder Gleyber Torres, saying he has not yet returned to baseball activities and remains focused on rehab and therapy.
“He’s not back to baseball stuff yet,” Hinch said. “It’ll be a slow ramp again back for him.”
Torres suffered a left oblique strain on an awkward swing against the Houston Astros and was officially placed on IL on June 17.
Pérez suffered an orbital injury that did not require surgery.
The primary concern remains allowing the bone to heal and monitoring swelling.
“The vision is getting better,” Hinch said. “It’s not injured from what I understand to where it’s going to be something long term, but it doesn’t mean it heals itself fast.”
Hinch also addressed the recovery of Parker Meadows, who has been dealing with a significant hand and wrist injury.
Hinch said Meadows continues to make progress but remains limited because of the healing process.
“The healing of this bone, it’s not as simple as healing a simple break,” Hinch said. “It’s been a work in progress.”
Detroit enters its matchup with the Yankees looking to maximize its roster options while waiting for injured players to return.
The Tigers defeated the Bronx Bombers 5-3 on Monday, June 22, 2026, behind the hitting of Riley Greene, who homered, and Kevin McGonigle, who drove in two runs to defeat Gerrit Cole for the first time in 10 seasons.
Hinch said Malgeri’s promotion was about putting players in situations where their strengths can help the team.
“Our mentality is focusing on the strengths of the players that we have available to us,” Hinch said.