​Dillon Dingler is set to return to the Detroit Tigers’ lineup on Saturday, July 11, serving as the designated hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. After exiting Wednesday’s win over the Athletics with a hand injury, Dingler had missed the last two games. A fastball ricocheted off behind the plate and struck his right hand, leading to X-rays that thankfully came back negative. The swelling between his index finger and thumb has diminished, and he has shown steady progress after taking batting practice on the last two days.
Dingler will DH on Saturday, according to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. Hinch noted that Dingler threw the day before and has now hit in two consecutive days, which is a positive sign as the 25-year-old returns to action a few days before what will be the first All-Star appearance of his young career. Throughout the Tigers’ uneven first half, Dingler has been a reliable offensive contributor, hitting .264 with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs, while delivering elite defense behind the plate.
Dingler has reported that his hand has felt fine after participating in both hitting and throwing drills, with his readiness depending on how well he can grip a bat and the baseball. “It feels fine,” Dingler said. This season, he has become one of four Tigers players to earn All-Star recognition. He and rookie shortstop Kevin McGonigle will be making their first All-Star appearances, while outfielder Riley Greene will be making his third consecutive All-Star appearance. Retiring right-hander Justin Verlander will participate in his 10th All-Star game as a “legend pick” chosen by MLB. Dingler emphasized that he is taking a day-by-day approach to determine his status for next week’s festivities in Philadelphia.
“My wife and my son are coming with me from here, and I have family out east,” Dingler said. “My cousins live out in Philly and my grandma lives in New Jersey, so they are all already out there.” Depending on how his hand responds to Saturday’s activity, Dingler could be back in the lineup as the catcher for Sunday’s series finale. Hinch indicated that the plan is flexible: if Dingler has had a full day of activity, he expects him to be cleared, and the Tigers could use him at catcher, or rely on Jake Rogers on Sunday.
For Sunday, Dingler could be at catcher if he is cleared, but the Tigers plan to proceed with dynamic positioning depending on his recovery. Jake Rogers may receive a chance behind the plate if Dingler is not cleared, but Hinch also noted that Dingler’s health remains the priority. In the meantime, rookie Eduardo Valencia will start at catcher for right-hander Casey Mize on Sunday, marking Valencia’s first MLB game catching, having made his first two MLB appearances as a designated hitter. Hinch highlighted Valencia’s improvement in defense, including pitch framing, blocking, throwing, and game-calling, which contributed to his promotion from Triple-A Toledo.
Valencia’s call-up reflects Detroit’s ongoing effort to refine their depth behind the plate and to provide Dingler with a comfortable path back to the lineup, whether behind the plate or at designated hitter. The Tigers are balancing the immediate need to compete while ensuring their players’ health and long-term production as they approach the All-Star break. The outlook for Dingler’s return will depend on how his hand responds to Saturday’s activity, but the early indicators suggest he is trending toward a full return in the near future.