The Detroit Tigers shook up their roster Tuesday ahead of their matchup against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park, activating veteran utility player Zach McKinstry from the injured list and designating infielder Zack Short for assignment.

McKinstry, 31, wasted no time making his presence felt, slotting into the starting lineup at third base and batting eighth for the second game of the three-game series. His return marks a key boost for a Tigers squad looking to build momentum in the early season.

The versatile defender had been sidelined since April 15, when a grueling game against the Kansas City Royals left him nursing injuries from three separate plays. Initially diagnosed with left hip and abdominal inflammation, McKinstry revealed he suffered a severe muscle tear near his pelvic bone—an injury that could have sidelined him for six to eight weeks. However, the unique location of the tear allowed for a surprisingly swift recovery.

"Six days after the injury, I was already at 80% of my sprint speed," McKinstry explained. From there, it was all about gradually building back to game-ready intensity across all baseball activities.

In 14 games this season before the injury, McKinstry posted a .209 batting average with one home run, three walks, and 10 strikeouts. His defensive versatility has been invaluable, logging 48 innings at second base, 33 innings in right field, and over 22 innings at third base—making him the kind of Swiss Army knife every contending team covets.

To clear a roster spot for McKinstry's return, the Tigers designated shortstop Zack Short for assignment. The move underscores Detroit's commitment to keeping their most dynamic players active as they navigate the grind of a long season.

For Tigers fans, McKinstry's quick recovery is a welcome sight—especially with his ability to impact the game both at the plate and in the field. Whether he's turning double plays or tracking down fly balls, his return adds depth and energy to a lineup hungry for consistency.