Greene rests, bullpen adjustments discussed as A.J. Hinch preps Detroit Tigers for Twins, long grind

DETROIT – Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star starting outfielder Riley Greene needed a breather ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup against the Minnesota Twins inside Comerica Park.

“Yeah, no, I think everybody needs a breather and he, you know, needs one right now,” said Hinch. “So, um, he’s available. He may get a pinch hit. Um, but yeah, I think it’s pretty obvious he needed a day.”

Hinch acknowledged the challenge of managing a bullpen with many new faces and figuring out how to use them effectively in the coming months.

“It’s a challenge, not just because you got the new relievers, but in terms of figuring out like the uses,” Hinch said. “I know you guys talked about it. You kind of have a plan for how you see the next couple of months.”

Hinch praised the starters for going deep into games, which helps ease bullpen usage.

“No complaints about the starters going deep into games. We’ve hit a, you know, a time where we have a, you know, at least a what close to half the bullpen has changed over,” Hinch said. “At the same time that we’re on this role of like six and seven inning starts, and so hopefully it stays that way.”

Hinch described the balancing act of deciding when to bring in relievers like right-handed pitchers Troy Melton or Rafael Montero.

“I have these dilemmas on when to get Melton in or when to get Montero in or when to how to use our guys,” Hihch said. “But the reality is the games will kind of play out how they do, but yeah, we’ll get our guys in and be creative with it.”

Hinch emphasized the importance of getting it right the first time for new bullpen members.

“I’m trying to get it right the first time for these guys, you know, whether it’s Melton going down to the pen or the new guys getting their feet wet as Tigers,” Hinch said. “Sometimes the game dictates that it doesn’t always work. It’s not easy. But we’ll work it out over time.”

With a day off Thursday (Aug. 7) followed by 13 straight games, Hinch said the bullpen will be tested.

Regarding the impact of many bullpen changes on the catching staff, Hinch said it’s not as massive as it might seem.

“I think it’s been maybe a tick overblown that it’s massive,” Hinch said. “The number obviously is big, but the actual guys that have come on to the team, you know, was (Kyle) Finnegan and Montero. Melton being new in the pen. (Luke) Jackson‘s been here for a few outings now.”

Hinch said the bigger adjustment is how catchers handle game situations with new pitchers.

“The preparation’s easy. Like the time in the bus, the clubhouse, and the food room, like all that stuff is pretty easy. You got to play the games,” Hinch said. “That’s why game situations, I think, are really important for our catchers.”

On newly acquired players facing former teams, Hinch said players enjoy the banter but quickly shift to competitive mode.

“It’s always good to see, you know, what guys love seeing, your old teammates and then obviously in a new uniform and a new experience,” Hinch said. “If you can compartmentalize that a little bit and get after them, it’s not going to necessarily be all that friendly.”

Hinch noted the first hit or punchout usually ends the friendly vibe.

“The first guy, if a guy gets a hit early, will end the love affair with pitching against your ex team and vice versa,” Hinch said.

Asked about Melton’s role in the bullpen, Hinch said he wants to use all pitchers but only when it makes sense.

“You can’t force it, but yeah, of course I want to pitch all these guys,” Hinch said. “I’m going to do it when it makes the most sense for our team.”

Hinch added that innings may be limited due to injuries and starter workloads.

“Welcome to life in the bullpen, whether it’s Troy or (Brenan) Hanifee or whoever, it’s just part of the game,” Hinch said.

Regarding shortstop Zach McKinstry’s recent time at shortstop, Hinch said it’s a roster necessity due to injuries.

“The roster’s configured a little differently now with the injuries that we’ve had with Parker (Meadows) being out,” Hinch said. “I love Wenceel (Perez) on the corner. I will play him in center, but when Mattiey’s (Matt Vierling) not playing, I shift Javy out there. That gets Zach a little bit of time at short.”

Hinch praised McKinstry’s defensive improvements.

“He’s made some really subtle defensive adjustments. It’s gotten a little bit better,” Hinch said. “He’s playing a little more one-handed. He’s not just relying on his arm. He’s getting off the ball a little bit better.”

Hinch explained the lineup strategy to keep key players in the field.

“I want to keep Javy (Baez) at center just because the injury to Meadows kind of gets your attention that you need some coverage out there,” Hinch said. “Some strategy keeping Colt Keith in the lineup when I’m DHing Karp or Riley. Just the way the pieces fit together tends to go Colt at third, Zack at short, Javy in center.”

On McKinstry winning the Heart and Hustle award, Hinch said it fits his style.

“It shouldn’t surprise anyone, just by watching him and being around him,” Hinch said. “He finds his way in the mess all the time.”

Hinch said the award recognizes players who may not always be in the spotlight.

“For players who’ve maybe not been popular their whole life or never been on the front and center of a lot of attention, it’s cool to see guys get recognized for the way they play,” Hinch said.

The Tigers took Game 1 6-3 against the Twins on Monday and are looking to take Game 2 as Chris Paddack will face off against Zebby Matthews.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m.

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