Riley Greene returns to the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, September 1, as one of the club's call-ups after the rosters expand. The three-time All-Star has been on the IL for almost three weeks with a hamstring injury, and the Tigers have been struggling mightily in his absence. The team went 4-14 in the 18 games since the injury, and have gone from fringe contenders in the playoff hunt to non-factors in the Wild Card race. Although the bullpen has continued its season-long struggle during this time, the team's offense has really struggled. Here is how he can help his team as Riley Greene returns from the IL.
The Tigers are currently in fourth place in the AL Central and are just one win up from the Kansas City Royals, who have dwelt in the basement all season long. They sit six whole games back from the last Wild Card spot as Riley Greene returns, and are really struggling at the plate. Although Dillon Dingler has been one of the best catchers in baseball, he hit a severe slump right around the time that Greene hit the IL. Others like Spencer Torkelson have found it tough to get their game going all season long. Meanwhile, injuries have also been a factor as Kerry Carpenter and as mentioned Greene have found themselves hitting the IL in recent weeks.
Although he hasn't hit the same heights as the last two seasons, Riley Greene remains one of the Tigers' most productive bats. Through 177 games in 2026, he's slugged 16 home runs and driven in 54 runners, with an OPS of .816, making him the team's most dangerous hitter this season. Rookies Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark have made waves in recent weeks, but the team can't rely on their young players to deliver when it really matters, that's when veterans need to step up to the plate, literally.
Jun 3, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
McGonigle continues to make a great case for AL Rookie of the Year honors, and Clark who has collected 23 hits in his first 28 games in the big leagues. They will get a boost as Riley Greene returns to lengthen this lineup and give protection to the two of them, as well as the struggling Dingler and Torkelson. Knowing that Greene is in the lineup is going to make pitchers want to challenge these other batters a bit more than they have, so the other starters should see more fastballs in the zone. Fans will worry whether or not it is too late for 2026.
#tigers
The Tigers are currently in fourth place in the AL Central and are just one win up from the Kansas City Royals, who have dwelt in the basement all season long. They sit six whole games back from the last Wild Card spot as Riley Greene returns, and are really struggling at the plate. Although Dillon Dingler has been one of the best catchers in baseball, he hit a severe slump right around the time that Greene hit the IL. Others like Spencer Torkelson have found it tough to get their game going all season long. Meanwhile, injuries have also been a factor as Kerry Carpenter and as mentioned Greene have found themselves hitting the IL in recent weeks.
Although he hasn't hit the same heights as the last two seasons, Riley Greene remains one of the Tigers' most productive bats. Through 177 games in 2026, he's slugged 16 home runs and driven in 54 runners, with an OPS of .816, making him the team's most dangerous hitter this season. Rookies Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark have made waves in recent weeks, but the team can't rely on their young players to deliver when it really matters, that's when veterans need to step up to the plate, literally.
Jun 3, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
McGonigle continues to make a great case for AL Rookie of the Year honors, and Clark who has collected 23 hits in his first 28 games in the big leagues. They will get a boost as Riley Greene returns to lengthen this lineup and give protection to the two of them, as well as the struggling Dingler and Torkelson. Knowing that Greene is in the lineup is going to make pitchers want to challenge these other batters a bit more than they have, so the other starters should see more fastballs in the zone. Fans will worry whether or not it is too late for 2026.
#tigers
2 months ago
