Torres hits leadoff homer in first AB since being activated from IL

ST. PETERSBURG -- Gleyber Torres said he can’t hit a five-run home run to spark the Tigers’ offense. But upon returning from the injured list Tuesday night, he proved perfectly capable of providing a boost with a leadoff homer off Rays left-hander Steven Matz in his first MLB at-bat in about a month.

The All-Star’s return from a left oblique strain is an immediate lift for a Tigers lineup that struggled through May with a .204 team batting average and .597 OPS for the month before breaking out for 10 runs on Monday. He jumped back into Detroit’s lineup in the leadoff spot Tuesday night against the Rays.

Torres was slashing .259/.389/.328 with a 104 OPS+ at the time of his injury. What was originally hoped to be a mild strain and a potentially minimal IL stint turned out to be more persistent, requiring a more deliberate progression. He made a couple starts on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo over the weekend before joining the Tigers at Tropicana Field to work out on Monday.

“First time [on rehab Saturday] was awful,” Torres said Monday. “Timing was awful. But mentally, too, I took the first three at-bats just overthinking if I’m going to feel anything. Sunday was a little better because of the confidence I got the first couple at-bats [Saturday], and I just went to do my normal swing. Don’t think anything, just play like normal.

“I feel like I’m healthy. I just took those couple [of] games to try to figure out timing. I know it’s not too much, but it’s just trying to do the right thing and be ready.”

He appeared quite ready Tuesday, working a 3-1 count against Matz before crushing a sinker Statcast-projected 433 feet to left-center field. It was the fifth leadoff homer of Torres’ career.

“My swing is there,” Torres said. “Hopefully power and consistency come back after that type of rest.”

If he can get that back right away, it would be a big help for Detroit to produce more consistent offense.

“We know how we play right now. It’s no secret,” Torres said. “But it’s kind of motivation for us, and especially for me. I don’t want to try to be a hero. I can’t hit a five-run homer. I just try to do whatever I can do, pass the baton and try to bring a little bit more energy. I think that’s what we need, especially in this type of stretch.”

To make room for Torres’ return, the Tigers optioned infielder Hao-Yu Lee to Triple-A Toledo. It’s a tough call coming off a win in which Lee played a big part, going 2-for-5 with a home run and a couple of big double plays turned. But with Torres expected to play heavily at second base, opportunities for Lee to play are likely to be limited, and the Tigers want the 23-year-old to get regular at-bats to continue his development.