Tigers latest spring training lineup looks like an Opening Day preview

Detroit Tigers fans have entered the dog days of spring training, but A.J. Hinch may have provided a clue into the decision surrounding Kevin McGonigle. McGonigle's chances of making the Tigers' Opening Day roster have been one of the main storylines of spring training, and Sunday's starting lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays may have provided a clue.

The Tigers played to a 4-4 tie against the defending American League champions, but the focus was on how Hinch constructed the lineup. It was an order that could very well be a preview of the Opening Day lineup if McGonigle does break camp with the team.

1. Kerry Carpenter, RF
2. Gleyber Torres, 2B
3. Riley Greene, LF
4. Spencer Torkelson, 1B
5. Dillon Dingler, DH
6. Colt Keith, 3B
7. Javier Báez, CF
8. Kevin McGonigle, SS
9. Jake Rogers, C

Tigers' latest Spring Training lineup breathes life into Kevin McGonigle's chances of making the Opening Day roster

With Tarik Skubal having also taken the mound for the Tigers on Sunday, the impression was that Hinch was leaving a breadcrumb trail for the decisions that will be made at spring training. Despite that impression, the veteran manager downplayed the significance of Sunday's lineup.

"No, there's nothing really associated with that, other than our guys will get more and more playing time as the spring gets a little bit deeper," Hinch told reporters, including Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. "But that doesn't matter to me."

After an offseason where the Tigers didn't prioritize an offensive upgrade, McGonigle's start to spring training has turned heads. He's collected 6 hits in his first 17 plate appearances, furthering the expectation that he will be a major contributor at the major league level for the Tigers this season.

Having McGonigle at shortstop would allow 2025 All-Star Zach McKinstry to serve in his natural utility role, while giving Colt Keith a runway at third base to open the season.

It's also notable that Parker Meadows was not in Sunday's lineup. It's been a slow start to spring training for Meadows, collecting only 1 hit in his 15 plate appearances with 4 strikeouts. Even with the struggles, the Tigers likely won't reach any definitive conclusion on Meadows' role moving forward during spring training, but reverting to the plan of having Báez in center field could be an indicator of the urgency that the team will have in 2026.