Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle shines in debut, deserves to top batting order
Batting No. 6 in the Detroit Tigers' batting order Thursday, rookie Kevin McGonigle opened 3-for-3 and showed he could top the lineup.
Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle shines in debut, deserves to top batting order originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Rookie Kevin McGonigle wasted no time proving he belonged higher in the Detroit Tigers ’ batting order.
Making his MLB debut Thursday against the San Diego Padres , McGonigle delivered a two-run double on the first pitch of his initial at-bat. During his second time in the batter’s box, the 2023 No. 37 overall draft pick lined a 2-2 pitch off the right-field wall, missing a home run by a few feet.
On his third at-bat, his big swing resulted in a slow roller to shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who failed to aggressively charge the play. His barehanded attempt wasn’t close. McGonigle claimed a spot on the Tigers’ Opening Day roster through his dogged, fundamentally sound play during spring training.
He debuted Thursday, batting No. 6 in the Tigers’ batting order. How long will Tigers manager A.