The Tigers entered Monday evening two games back in their pursuit of a wild-card spot.
Unfortunately, Detroit's path to the postseason might've gotten a bit tougher during Monday's game against the Twins. That's because left fielder Justin Upton departed with a strained calf:
Justin Upton left tonight's game with a left calf strain and is day to day. He was replaced by Tyler Collins in left field.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 13, 2016
Officially, the Tigers are listing Upton as being day-to-day, though it's fair to think he might miss a game or two if needed.
Upton hasn't had his typical season. He entered Monday batting .239/.297/.424 with 22 home runs. Four of those home runs had come in September -- noteworthy in part because his monthly high on the season was five home runs. Atypical season from Upton or not, he remains a sizable upgrade over Tyler Collins, who would figure to get most of the playing time.
The Tigers are dealing with all kinds of injury issues -- to Nick Castellanos, to Jordan Zimmermann, and nearly to Victor Martinez. For Detroit's trainers' sake, here's hoping Upton makes a quick recovery.
