Zach McKinstry might not be a household name — yet — but he’s making it pretty hard for the baseball world to ignore him. The Detroit Tigers utility man turned in another dazzling performance Monday night in a 5-1 win over the Rays, and his manager A.J. Hinch had just one message after the game: “Get him to Atlanta.”
McKinstry, 30, has been everything for Detroit this season. Whether it’s delivering clutch hits, swiping bags, or pulling off highlight-reel defensive plays, he’s been the glue guy with superstar-level production.
Take Monday night, for example. A spinning throw from right field to nab a runner at third base? That’s not just skill — that’s instincts, athleticism, and baseball IQ all rolled into one. “That is feel for the game,” said Hinch. “That doesn’t happen with every outfielder.”
Oh, and he also launched a solo homer for good measure.
Stat-wise, McKinstry is stacking up with the best in the league:
.285 AVG / .355 OBP / .464 SLG
7 HR, 8 triples, 12 doubles, 27 RBI, 11 stolen bases
6 defensive positions played
It’s the kind of versatility that’s rare in today’s game. And it’s a big part of why the Tigers — one of the hottest teams in the league — keep rolling.
“He’s understated,” Hinch added. “Because he’s playing somewhere different every day, you can get lost in what he brings. Everything.”
Still, McKinstry isn’t assuming anything when it comes to the All-Star nod. With four Tigers already set to make the trip, he knows he may just have to enjoy the break at a quiet lake in Washington — and keep proving the doubters wrong in the second half.
“Definitely there’s hope, but we’ll see,” McKinstry said. “If not, that’s OK. I’m going to go and have a great second half and prove that I should’ve been there.”
Get Him to Atlanta!”: Zach McKinstry Making a Strong All-Star Case for Tigers
