Tigers should be getting close to a breaking point as Dillon Dingler's struggles persist

Dillon Dingler was at the heart of the Tigers' breakdown against the Twins on Tuesday. An errant throw to third during a rundown ruined what could've been a double play to get Troy Melton out of the fifth inning. Two runs scored, and Melton gave up a third one batter later.

At the plate, Dingler went 1-for-4 with a single. Almost all of the balls he hit were well-struck, but they just didn't go his way.

It doesn't take advanced metrics to realize something's been going on with Dingler since the beginning of August. Since the Tigers left Seattle on Aug. 7, he's hitting a devastating .107 with a .307 OPS, only two extra-base hits, and four RBI. Not only that; he's been making conspicuous, uncharacteristic mistakes behind the plate, too.

Could he be playing through injury? Could he simply be burnt out after carrying the offense on his back for the majority of the season?

Whatever it is, the Tigers might need to make a tough decision soon. With playoff hopes almost down to zero, they should let Dingler sit more often throughout this last month. AJ Hinch already made a step in the right direction by leaving Dingler out of Wednesday night's lineup.

Tigers need to rest Dillon Dingler more as his struggles reach their apex

Even if he hasn't started all of them, Dingler has appeared in all but 10 games this season as catcher or designated hitter. The Tigers view him as a fundamental piece of their lineup, and fans have no doubt that he will be ... after he gets some time off. It's easy to understand where Hinch is coming from — sure, you never know when he might wake up — but it doesn't look like the extra reps are helping at all.

Meanwhile, Eduardo Valencia still hasn't gotten many reps behind the plate. He's a far less proficient defensive catcher than Dingler, but he needs room to grow behind Detroit's prized primary. We also haven't seen everything he might be capable of with his bat.

The problem might be the Tigers' current stance. Hinch has continued to insist that the team's mentality is not one of a team that's out of the playoff hunt. Fans disagree, of course.

It might be better for the team to just face the music and keep letting themselves experiment. We've already seen a little more running, a little more small ball (even if it hasn't totally worked). With how young this offense is, a month to settle in without the pressure of chasing a Wild Card spot that's already out of reach might be best for their long-term development.

Dingler could use the break, Valencia could use the playing time. If they keep playing like they have in Minnesota, the Tigers' postseason odds may as well be zero right now. It's time to loosen up and let the new guys settle in.

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