In the middle of a strong start to the 2025 MLB season, Detroit Tigers infielder Gleyber Torres went down with an injury that could sideline him for a while. Injuries always seem to hit at the worst times for winning teams. An athlete can eat right and train hard, but the injury bug sometimes finds a way. Even with excellent medical staff and top-tier trainers, setbacks happen out of nowhere.
For Detroit, this one stings. The Tigers hold a five-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. Torres, the team’s second baseman, left Thursday’s game with a lower leg injury. While there weren’t many details, manager A.J. Hinch shared a tough outlook on what’s next for him.
Detroit Tigers 2B Gleyber Torres Suffered Debilitating Injury, Notes Manager
Torres, a former All-Star, sets the tone for the Tigers’ lineup. He’s not expected to crush home runs every night, but the 28-year-old has already hit five this season. More importantly, he brings solid plate discipline, working counts, moving runners, and avoiding overswinging.
He’s posted a .358 on-base percentage, giving Detroit a reliable bat in the lineup. Defensively, he’s bounced back well, with a .991 fielding percentage. The Detroit Free Press gave more insight into the injury and Hinch’s comments.
Hinch explained, “He wasn’t moving great. I need to talk to the doctors and figure out the extent of what it is. When he came back, he said he felt a little something in his lower leg. We talked through the pros and cons of going out on defense. He thought he might be able to go back out on defense. He was just uncomfortable enough that I pulled him out of the game.”
A lower leg injury could mean many things, from an ankle or quad strain to ligament trouble. Hinch’s comments feel like a warning that Torres could be out for more than just a couple of games. Management would be smart not to rush their second baseman, allowing him time to heal.
For now, journeyman Andy Ibáñez will attempt to hold the fort until Torres returns. Ironically, Torres’ final at-bat ended on a laser line-drive out. Despite the injuries, he struck the ball with force.
The team might also take a look at prospect Hao-Yu Lee, who’s playing well at Triple-A Toledo. If called up, it’d be a good chance for the front office to evaluate a possible second baseman of the future.
Can the Tigers survive the injury? Of course, with plenty of internal options, team management can look at options that will provide passable abilities and production. When Torres returns, his presence will make every teammate in the batting order.