Spencer Torkelson rides bench as struggles continue for Tigers slugger
Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson, hitting .182, is in an 0-for-11 slump with one walk and four strikeouts in 12 plate appearances.
BOSTON – Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson is struggling. So much so that the Tigers left him out of the starting lineup Monday, April 20, against the Boston Red Sox in the finale of the four-game series at Fenway Park, with a chance to win the series. Torkelson is stuck in an 0-for-11 slump with one walk and four strikeouts over his past 12 plate appearances.
The 26-year-old has a . 182 batting average with a . 561 OPS in 21 games during the 2026 season.
“It’s a tough sport," manager A. J. Hinch said before Sunday's 6-2 win , in which Torkelson went 0-for-3 with one walk and one strikeout in three trips to the plate.
"You go through these stretches where, when you want to be patient, you fall behind, and when you try to be aggressive, you swing out of the zone a little bit. " HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED: Tarik Skubal picks up Boston dinner, but Kevin McGonigle still owes Tigers In 2025, Torkelson tied his career high with 31 home runs (which he accomplished in 2023). He also hit a career-high .