The Detroit Tigers announced outfielder Justin Upton left Monday's game against the Minnesota Twins with a left calf strain.
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Upton Ruled Day-to-Day
Monday, Sept. 12
The Tigers noted Tyler Collins replaced Upton in left field and called their starter "day-to-day" after the setback. Upton dealt with right quad tightness earlier in the season, which forced him to miss some action.
The Tigers brought the three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger to Detroit in the offseason to add some pop alongside Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. Upton was slashing .239/.297/.424 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI entering Monday's game.
He played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres before joining Detroit and boasts five seasons with 25-plus home runs, including his strong 2011 campaign, when he hit .289 and drilled a career-best 31 long balls for Arizona. He counts five seasons with at least 18 stolen bases on his resume as well.
Upton is also a solid defensive outfielder who was responsible for eight total defensive runs saved above average in left field last season, per FanGraphs.
The Tigers will likely continue to rely on the versatile Collins while Upton is out. Collins can play all three outfield spots and gives manager Brad Ausmus the ability to mix and match his lineups on a daily basis.
However, Collins doesn't bring the type of offensive and defensive prowess Upton does on a daily basis. Detroit has postseason aspirations and needs its starting left fielder to be healthy as it attempts to make a charge in the American League Central.
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