DETROIT -- The Tigers lost an outfielder to injury for the second time in four days. Matt Vierling left Wednesday’s 10-9 12-inning loss against the Orioles after suffering a groin injury running out a fifth-inning triple.
Vierling, who legged out a double in his first at-bat to help ignite a three-run third inning off Orioles lefty Trevor Rogers, led off the fifth with a gapper to left-center. Vierling sped around second base but slowed up about midway to third and trotted the rest of the way in. Third-base coach Billy Boyer quickly called for the athletic training staff as Vierling stopped at third.
“His groin was bothering him when he came around on the triple,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “We weren’t going to take any chances.”
Zach McKinstry pinch-ran for Vierling, scored on a Javier Báez single, then took Vierling’s spot in right field.
It was a tough ending to Vierling’s first game with multiple extra-base hits since June 2. It could also create a tough roster situation for the Tigers heading into a critical weekend ahead of Monday’s Trade Deadline. The Tigers’ ability to rough up Rogers showed the value of their right-handed batting options.
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Báez’s return this week from an ankle injury gives the Tigers protection both in the lineup and in center field. Ben Malgeri could see more playing time in right field if Vierling is sidelined. The Tigers’ outfield options at Triple-A Toledo include top prospect (No. 13 overall) Max Clark, No. 24 prospect Trei Cruz and Gage Workman. Clark is an unlikely option to be called up for a part-time role, but the switch-hitting Cruz – who went 0-for-5 in a brief stint with Detroit last month – could provide help at multiple positions.