Detroit Tigers: JaCoby Jones likely out for rest of season

The Detroit Tigers have struggled with injuries all season long, and now could very likely be without one of their most improved players for the rest of the year.

JaCoby Jones has made some outstanding defensive plays in centerfield and shown consistent improvement at the plate this season for the Detroit Tigers. However, per Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, Jones is likely out for the remainder of the season with a wrist injury according to Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire.

The Tigers placed Jones on the 10-day IL with a left wrist fracture after he was hit by a pitch in Detroit’s series opener against Kansas City on Thursday night. Initial x-rays came back negative, but a CT scan on Saturday revealed there was a fracture in Jones’ left wrist.

Jones was steadily improving throughout the season and was on pace for the best year of his career so far. If his season is over, Jones will end up with a BA of .235 26 RBI and eleven home runs.

Through much of May and June, Jones was a major factor in the Detroit Tigers offense. The 27-year-old hit .271 in May and .291 in June with 22 RBI combined in those months. In seven games in August, Jones was batting .304 with one RBI and could have been on the road to another strong month.

Though often praised for his defensive skills in the outfield, Jones has shown this year that he is on the road to turning into a consistent, everyday major league hitter to accompany his defense. His absence opens up space for other youngsters like Victor Reyes and probably eventually Daz Cameron to get some experience in centerfield, losing Jones’ bat is a tough blow for an already struggling Tigers offense.

The Detroit Tigers will definitely miss Jones both on offense and defense if he is, in fact, out for the remainder of the season. With him being probably the most improved Tiger this season, it is hard to see the season end like this.