Detroit Tigers: Ian Kinsler returns, JaCoby Jones optioned

Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler is returning to the team. The Tigers’ official Twitter account tweeted the news on Tuesday afternoon. JaCoby Jones heads back to Triple-A.

Detroit Tigers fans will see a familiar face rejoin the team.

Second baseman Ian Kinsler will make his return after a stint on the disabled list due to a hamstring injury.

He last played in Detroit’s 8-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox on May 26.

The Tigers official Twitter account announced the move in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon.

Detroit’s Twitter account tweeted:

“The #Tigers reinstated 2B Ian Kinsler from the disabled list today and optioned OF JaCoby Jones to Toledo (AAA).”

Kinsler is fourth among Detroit position players in WAR, and currently leads the team’s infielders with a 0.8 number.

He’s hitting .239, but Is still drawing a healthy number of walks thanks to a walk percentage of 11 and a .331 on-base percentage.

The veteran has also chipped in with a 92 wRC+, a .365 slugging percentage, a .126 ISO and a .309 wOBA.

His low batting average is in part due to a .260 BABIP, which suggests Kinsler has been somewhat unlucky this season in terms of balls in play.

Once that BABIP starts to rise a bit, the former Ranger’s production will increase.

More production

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Kinsler has also contributed 30 runs scored, 20 walks, 11 RBI, six doubles, four home runs, a triple and a stolen base in 181 plate appearances.

The Tigers posted a 6-3 record without the second baseman. The team’s run differential in that span ended up at +19.

He’ll likely return to his place atop the Tigers’ batting order as the team’s primary table setter.

JaCoby Jones

Making way for the infielder on the active roster is outfielder JaCoby Jones, who heads down to the minors.

Jones owns a 0.1 WAR this season despite hitting .137 with a 30 wRC+. Much of his value has come defensively, where he gives Detroit a plus option in center field.

The rookie went 1-for-12 in his return to the Tigers, striking out seven time in the process.

He’ll look to regain his form in Triple-A where he has a 101 wRC+, a .719 OPS, 19 runs scored, 11 RBI, seven extra-base hits and four stolen bases.

With Jones back in Toledo, the Tigers will rely on Alex Presley, Andrew Romine and Mikie Mahtook in center field.

Presley has been the most productive of the trio at the plate this season despite registering 19 plate appearances.

The veteran is hitting .313 with a .389 on-base percentage, a .563 slugging percentage and a .951 OPS.

Next: Christin Stewart, Beau Burrows, Mike Gerber and Kyle Funkhouser's stats so far in 2017

He has also turned in six runs scored, four RBI, two stolen bases, a pair of walks, a home run and a double.