Zach Mckinstry
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2022Moose391341630227094460110.2240.2460.478
2023Moose40148829136248584030.1960.2370.345
2024Old Geezers411271431661011314180.2440.3140.307
2025Old Geezers14122001000000.5000.5001.250
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 28 2025McKinstry went 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Saturday's 10-5 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Getting the start at shortstop and batting eighth, the utility player went deep in the sixth inning, launching the fourth of four homers off Bailey Ober on the afternoon. With Trey Sweeney optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Friday, McKinstry figures to see a lot more action at shortstop in a timeshare with Javier Baez -- a strict platoon would benefit McKinstry as the left-handed hitter of the duo, but Baez's defense could tip the scales in his favor. McKinstry is making a case with his bat to be the primary option, batting .400 (12-for-30) over his last 10 games with a double, a triple, two homers, three steals, five runs and six RBI.
Jun 26 2025McKinstry went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, a run scored and two RBI in Thursday's 8-0 win over the Athletics. He also stole a base, though he was caught stealing once as well. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry did a little bit of everything to help lead the Tigers to a comfortable win in the series finale. The utility player is having a nice season with a .277 batting average, .793 OPS and nine stolen bases across 73 games, though he has seen his playing time dip a bit recently with Colt Keith getting more run at third base. However, with the Athletics starting lefty Jeffrey Springs, the right-handed McKinstry got the nod over the left-handed Keith. That could be the arrangement moving forward, at least until Matt Vierling (shoulder) is able to return from the injured list.
Jun 22 2025McKinstry is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the second time in three games, McKinstry will hit the bench while the Tigers face a right-handed starting pitcher. With the team getting more comfortable using Colt Keith at third base, McKinstry's primary path to playing time appears to be closing. The 30-year-old is still capable of filling in at two other infield spots as well as both corner outfield spots, but his at-bats could become sporadic now that all of Detroit's key hitters are available, sans Matt Vierling (shoulder).
Jun 14 2025McKinstry isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry has been on a tear since the start of June, slashing .325/.372/.525 with seven runs scored across 43 plate appearances. He'll get a chance to catch his breath Saturday, moving Javier Baez to third base while Trey Sweeney starts at shortstop.
Jun 12 2025McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Orioles. He also stole a base. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a surprisingly strong first two months of the season at the plate, McKinstry has kept rolling in June. The utility player is now batting .343 this month with three stolen bases and six runs scored through 11 games. Despite being a bench option for much of his career, McKinstry is forcing the Tigers to put him in the lineup most days due to his strong offensive output.
Jun 5 2025McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Thursday's 3-2, extra-inning loss to the White Sox. He also stole a base. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry continues to produce for the Tigers with hits in four of his last five games and a .271 average for the season. The utility man is also up to four stolen bases, and after recording 16 steals each of the last two years, he could start running more moving forward. McKinstry isn't the most exciting player, but his versatility and steady production is getting him into the lineup most days.
Jun 1 2025McKinstry went 1-for-3 with a triple and a run scored in Sunday's 1-0 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry delivered his fourth triple of the season in the third inning, then came around to score the game's only run on a wild pitch. The veteran utility player continues to hit surprisingly well with a .267 batting average and .778 OPS through 53 games. McKinstry's career figures are .226 and .662, respectively, as he's mostly been known for his versatile defensive abilities.
May 31 2025McKinstry isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Royals, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers will give McKinstry a day off Saturday after he went 0-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout during Friday's contest. His absence will allow Javier Baez to start at the hot corner while batting ninth.
May 25 2025McKinstry went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Sunday's 5-0 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry had the key hit of the game, delivering his third home run of the season in the fourth inning with a runner on. The veteran utility player has been surprisingly productive at the plate so far this year with a .788 OPS through 49 games, which is up from the .614 OPS he posted during the 2024 regular season. For his career, McKinstry has a .662 OPS.
May 23 2025McKinstry is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will give way to Andy Ibanez at third base Friday against Slade Cecconi and the Guardians. McKinstry is 14-for-66 (.212) with 12 runs scored in 19 games during May.
May 17 2025McKinstry went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's 5-4 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry hit his second home run of the season in the fourth inning against Toronto starter Bowden Francis. The infielder now has half as many long balls as he did during the 2024 regular season, and while he's not a huge power threat, he's been effective with a .286 batting average and .803 OPS through 41 games in 2025. Both of those figures would be new career highs for McKinstry.
May 8 2025McKinstry isn't in the lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will get a breather Thursday evening after going 1-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored during a 10-2 win in Game 1. Riley Greene, Brewer Hicklen and Kerry Carpenter will start across the Tigers' outfield while McKinstry sits.
Apr 21 2025McKinstry went 3-for-4 with a triple, a double and one run scored and RBI apiece in Monday's 6-4 victory over San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old drew his sixth consecutive start and produced his second consecutive three-hit performance, falling a homer shy of the cycle. Thanks to the three-bagger he laced in the first inning, McKinstry is now tied for the MLB lead in triples with Mickey Moniak at three. The Detroit utility man is now slashing .314/.424/.471 with a homer, a steal and 12 RBI and runs scored apiece across 86 plate appearances.
Apr 20 2025McKinstry went 3-for-5 with two RBI in Sunday's 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry has moved up to third in Detroit's batting order recently due to a hot start to the season, and he kept on rolling Sunday. The utility player is now batting .288 with an .809 OPS, both of which would be new career highs. McKinstry has also tallied 11 runs scored and 11 RBI across 21 games played.
Apr 19 2025McKinstry is starting in right field and batting third in Saturday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After mostly batting lower in the order earlier in the season, McKinstry is now starting and batting third for the second time in the last three games. The versatile 29-year-old has appeared in all 20 of Detroit's games to date, and he's performed well with a .765 OPS. McKinstry may see a reduction in playing time once the likes of Matt Vierling (shoulder), Wenceel Perez (back) and Parker Meadows (arm) are able to return from injury.
Apr 16 2025McKinstry is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Milwaukee, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-swinging McKinstry will grab a seat as left-hander Jose Quintana toes the slab for the Brewers. McKinstry has been seeing most of his playing time in right field lately, but that spot will be covered by Justyn-Henry Malloy in Wednesday's series finale.
Apr 9 2025McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A day after collecting two hits and his first home run of the season, McKinstry collected two more hits and tallied his second triple of the year. The utility player is now riding a seven-game hitting streak, and he's batting a sizzling .371 overall. McKinstry is only a career .224 hitter, so he's unlikely to sustain these results, but fantasy managers should enjoy the hot streak while it lasts.
Apr 7 2025McKinstry is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed hitting McKinstry started Sunday's contest versus the White Sox against a lefty, but he'll begin this one on the bench as the Yankees turn to southpaw Carlos Rodon. Andy Ibanez is at third base and Manuel Margot will patrol right field for the Tigers.
Apr 5 2025McKinstry is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will get a chance to catch his breath after going 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Friday's series opener. Andy Ibanez will take over at the hot corner and bat sixth.
Mar 30 2025McKinstry went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry paced Detroit's offense from the leadoff spot, collecting a third of the team's hits and runs. The 30-year-old has seen action in all three of the Tigers' games so far, with starts in the last two, and he's already seen action at second base, third base and shortstop. McKinstry doesn't figure to play much when southpaws are on the hill, but he appears to have a regular lineup spot secured against righties and can play a number of defensive positions when he's called upon.
Mar 27 2025McKinstry isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Blake Snell will draw the start for Los Angeles on Thursday, so the lefty-hitting McKinstry will begin Opening Day on the bench. Andy Ibanez will draw the start at third base instead and bat leadoff.
Mar 17 2025McKinstry is expected to open the season in the long side of a platoon at third base with Andy Ibanez, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers optioned Jace Jung to Triple-A Toledo on Monday, a transaction which cinches a McKinstry/Ibanez platoon at the hot corner while Matt Vierling (shoulder) is out. McKinstry slashed only .215/.277/.337 with four homers across 118 regular-season contests for the Tigers last season. He did steal 16 bases without being caught, and that, along with his multi-position eligibility, gives McKinstry some utility in very deep leagues.
Mar 3 2025McKinstry is a candidate to serve in a platoon along with Javier Baez at shortstop to begin the regular season, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In this scenario, the left-hand hitting McKinstry would be on the strong side of the platoon, with Baez deployed against southpaws and Trey Sweeney beginning the year at Triple-A Toledo. In the long run, the 24-year-old Sweeney seems likely to seize the job at short, which would relegate McKinstry to more of a utility role like the one he's filled in recent seasons. McKinstry may see a short-term spike in value if he does in fact see regular time at short, though he remains a limited offensive player who probably won't make a huge fantasy splash.
Nov 22 2024The Tigers and McKinstry avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.65 million contract Friday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry had been eligible for salary arbitration for the first time. The 29-year-old slashed just .215/.277/.337 with four home runs and 16 stolen bases over 118 games for the Tigers in 2024. He's slated to fill a utility role again next season.
Aug 29 2024McKinstry went 3-for-4 with a double in Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was the only Detroit played with multiple hits, and the lack of production around him prevented him from accumulating any counting stats. While the utility player can pop on occasion, McKinstry is still generally not much of an offensive threat, and his lack of consistent playing time limits his fantasy ceiling moving forward.
Aug 24 2024McKinstry went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer in Saturday's 13-4 win against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry went deep off John Brebbia in the ninth inning, his first home run since July seventh. McKinstry in the middle of a five-game hitting streak with five RBI and two stolen bases in that stretch. The 29-year-old utility man doesn't get enough playing time to be fantasy relevant, and he carries a paltry .603 OPS through 90 games this season.
Aug 21 2024McKinstry went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 8-2 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry notched a steal in his second straight game, but this was his first start in three contests. He's put together a decent August, going 13-for-45 (.289) across 15 games while adding three steals and four RBI. The 29-year-old is at a .199/.259/.320 slash line with 11 steals, three home runs, 19 RBI and 25 runs scored across 251 plate appearances for the year.
Aug 18 2024McKinstry went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry batted ninth and provided an unexpected lift, as he came into the contest batting just .188 for the season. The utility man is now a career .215 hitter across 355 MLB games, so he's pretty much settled in as a low-impact offensive player who offers value to his team through his defensive versatility. That keeps McKinstry's fantasy appeal fairly limited.
Aug 15 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will hit the bench for the series finale after he had started in each of Detroit's last three games while going 3-for-12 with two doubles, one walk and two runs across those contests. Though McKinstry's bat has warmed up in August, the Tigers still seem to view him mostly as a utility player. His playing time is likely to take a hit once Detroit gets Riley Greene (hamstring) back from the injured list, perhaps as soon as this weekend or early next week.
Aug 11 2024McKinstry will start at shortstop and bat seventh in Sunday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will be filling in for a resting Javier Baez on Sunday, but the 29-year-old McKinstry could begin to gain more traction in a regular role in the outfield after Wenceel Perez (oblique) joined Riley Greene (hamstring) on the injured list Saturday. The utility man is included in the lineup Sunday for the sixth time in seven games and has picked up starts at shortstop, second base, third base and in left field during that stretch. He's getting on base at a .348 clip since the beginning of August.
Aug 8 2024McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in Wednesday's win over Seattle. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry walked in his first trip to the plate and later added an infield single in the top of the eighth before stealing his ninth base of the campaign. The second baseman reached three times on the night while posting his first multi-hit performance since July 13 against the Dodgers. McKinstry has now hit safely in each of his last four games and is batting .313 (5-for-16) to open the month of August.
Jul 14 2024McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Dodgers. He also stole a base. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry showed off his speed in the last game of the first half, as he recorded his third triple of the season and seventh stolen base. The utility player got the start at shortstop with Javier Baez (back) held out, though Baez is not expected to need a stint on the injured list. McKinstry will slot into a reserve role after the All-Star break if Baez is healthy, which limits the former's fantasy upside.
Jul 11 2024McKinstry will start at third base and bat sixth in Thursday's game against the Guardians, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even with Javier Baez (back) returning from the injured list Monday, McKinstry has been able to retain a near-everyday role in the Detroit infield, at least against right-handed pitching. McKinstry will draw his fifth consecutive start Thursday, with the 29-year-old having picked up three starts at third base and two at shortstop during that span. Third base could end up being the primary home for McKinstry if he hits well enough to retain a regular spot in the lineup, as Matt Vierling is capable of filling in as an outfielder while Parker Meadows (hamstring) is on the shelf.
Jul 7 2024McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and three total RBI in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry delivered his third home run of the season in a surprisingly strong offensive performance. The utility player is still batting just .186 this season with a .550 OPS, and the two hits Sunday snapped an 0-for-14 streak over his last six games. McKinstry has some value to the Tigers due to his versatility, but that doesn't translate to a ton of fantasy value.
Jul 6 2024McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup for Saturday's game versus Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry has failed to record a base hit in 14 at-bats over his last five contests, and he'll now sit down for the second game in a row Saturday. Ryan Kreidler will start instead at shortstop and bat ninth.
Jul 5 2024McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup Friday versus the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry has gone 0-for-14 over his last five games, so he'll get a chance to regroup Friday while Ryan Kreidler starts at shortstop and bats ninth.
Jul 2 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry continues to split shortstop work with Ryan Kreidler in the wake of Javier Baez's (back) injury. McKinstry is 4-for-29 (.138) since June 11.
Jun 30 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Tyler Anderson on the hill for the Angels, the lefty-hitting McKinstry will duck out of the lineup. Ryan Kreidler will step in for McKinstry at shortstop.
Jun 28 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will yield to Ryan Kreidler at shortstop for the third time in the last four games. McKinstry is 4-for-29 (.138) with 10 strikeouts since June 12.
Jun 26 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After he was on the bench for Tuesday's 4-1 win while southpaw Ranger Suarez took the hill for the Phillies, the lefty-hitting McKinstry will remain out of the lineup against Philadelphia right-hander Spencer Turnbull in the series finale. The Tigers may not be adhering to a strict platoon at shortstop between McKinstry and the righty-hitting Ryan Kreidler, as McKinstry has now sat in three of Detroit's last five matchups with righties.
Jun 25 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will avoid a matchup with Ranger Suarez on Tuesday, yielding to Ryan Kreidler at shortstop. McKinstry had started in each of the Tigers' last two games, going 4-for-7 with a solo homer and two doubles.
Jun 23 2024McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in Sunday's 11-2 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was one of four Detroit players to go deep and perhaps the most surprising one, as this was just his second of the season across 51 games. The utility player is batting only .185, and while he's seeing more playing time right now with Javier Baez (back) on the injured list, McKinstry may be better suited to a reserve role due to his limited offensive abilities.
Jun 22 2024McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup for Saturday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry has gone 0-for-18 with eight strikeouts in his last six contests, and he'll now sit down for the second game in a row Saturday. Ryan Kreidler will pick up another start at shortstop, batting ninth.
Jun 21 2024McKinstry is not part of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After starting four of the Tigers' last five games at shortstop, McKinstry will yield to Ryan Kreidler on Friday. McKinstry has two hits in his last 23 at-bats and has struck out nine times during that span.
Jun 17 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He and Ryan Kreidler have split the starts at shortstop down the middle, with both getting four apiece since Javier Baez (back) went on the injured list. McKinstry has now been on the bench for all three contests versus lefties, as Atlanta is starting southpaw Max Fried on Monday.
Jun 14 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Houston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will give way to the righty-hitting Ryan Kreidler at shortstop Friday despite right-hander Hunter Brown on the mound for the Astros. It'll be Kreidler's third start since Javier Baez (back) got injured, while McKinstry has only had two starts during that stretch.
Jun 13 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since Javier Baez sat out Sunday's 10-2 win over the Brewers before being placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with lumbar spine inflammation, McKinstry and Ryan Kreidler have both picked up a pair of starts at shortstop. Though manager A.J. Hinch suggested that the two shortstops wouldn't work in a strict platoon, both of McKinstry's starts have come against right-handed pitching. Kreidler, meanwhile, will start at shortstop Thursday versus lefty Patrick Corbin, after Kreidler was previously included in the lineup Tuesday, when southpaw Mitchell Parker was on the bump for Washington.
Jun 11 2024Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday that McKinstry and Ryan Kreidler will share shortstop while Javier Baez (back) is out, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hinch said it won't be a strict platoon between the two players but will be close to that. As the left-handed bat, McKinstry will be in line to receive the bulk of the reps at the position, although Kreidler is starting there Tuesday versus Nationals lefty Mitchell Parker. Hinch noted that Andy Ibanez could see a handful of innings at shortstop, as well.
Jun 9 2024McKinstry is starting at shortstop and batting seventh in Sunday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Javier Baez started the first two games of the series at shortstop, but he'll hit the bench Sunday and give way to McKinstry. Baez is struggling mightily this season with a .183/.209/.247 slash line, so McKinstry could earn more playing time moving forward, though the latter profiles more as a utility player than an everyday starter.
Jun 4 2024McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a triple and a two-run home run in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry launched his first home run of the season in the second inning, then followed with his second triple of the year in the fourth. While Javier Baez is still the team's primary option at shortstop, McKinstry has managed to carve out a sizeable role amid Baez's struggles at the plate. McKinstry is probably best suited as a utility player, however, so he likely will continue to move around the field rather than replace Baez altogether.
Jun 2 2024McKinstry is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry picked up starts at shortstop and second base Friday and Saturday, respectively, going 1-for-6 with a double. Though both Colt Keith (.594 OPS) and Javier Baez (.481 OPS) have turned in poor numbers as the Tigers' regular starters in the middle infield this season, McKinstry (.499 OPS in 91 plate appearances) hasn't done much to make a case for steadier playing time.
Apr 7 2024McKinstry went 1-for-3 with a walk in Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Athletics and is now batting .313 across seven appearances this season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry isn't known as an offensive threat, but he's off to a strong start in his utility role. He started at shortstop Sunday with regular Javier Baez, who is batting just .154 so far, getting the day off. Baez will likely stick as the primary starter, though McKinstry could start to earn more playing time if he continues to reach base at a solid clip.
Mar 20 2024With Gio Urshela not locked into the starting third base job yet, McKinstry may have a path to more regular playing time at the hot corner, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Petzold went on to note that McKinstry is still likely best suited for a utility role off the bench, but the uncertainty at third base could work in his favor. For now, Urshela along with Matt Vierling seem like the top options at the hot corner, with McKinstry available there and elsewhere across the diamond. The 28-year-old offers nice versatility, though he's never produced much offensively at the MLB level.
Mar 4 2024McKinstry will likely serve in a utility for the Tigers this season with Colt Keith the presumptive starter at second base, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers have cycled through a handful of options at the keystone the past few seasons, but the 22-year-old Keith is seen as a potential long-term solution, and it appears that the team is ready to give him a shot. McKinstry appeared in 148 games and recorded 464 at-bats for Detroit last season, though he's likely better suited for a more limited role. Expect him to provide versatility but little offense as a utility player in 2024, which limits his fantasy upside.
Sep 30 2023McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's loss to the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry's second-inning home run gave him nine this season. His previous career high was seven, which he recorded in 2021, and the utility player came into the year with only 12 career MLB home runs across three seasons. Heading into 2024, McKinstry figures to retain a versatile role where he plays multiple positions, though his fantasy appeal is limited due to his lack of offensive upside.
Sep 24 2023McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup Sunday against Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will sit down Sunday with left-hander JP Sears on the mound for Oakland. Zack Short will start at the keystone and bat eighth while McKinstry is out.
Sep 22 2023McKinstry isn't in Detroit's lineup Friday against Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lefty Ken Waldichuk will start on the bump for the A's on Friday, meaning the left-handed bat of McKinstry will stay put in the Tigers' dugout to begin the game. McKinstry's absence will allow Zack Short to start at second base and bat ninth.
Sep 19 2023McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With left-hander Caleb Ferguson starting on the mound for the Dodgers, the left-handed bat of McKinstry will stay put in Detroit's dugout to begin Tuesday's contest. Andy Ibanez will instead start at second base and bat second.
Sep 17 2023McKinstry is out of the lineup Sunday versus the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Andy Ibanez will start at second base and bat second as Zack Short plays shortstop and hits eighth. McKinstry has slashed just .135/.211/.154 with 17 strikeouts over his last 57 plate appearances dating back to Aug. 30.
Sep 7 2023McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup Thursday against the Yankees, Erik Boland of Newsday reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Carlos Rodon will toe the slab to begin Thursday's game for New York, so the lefty-hitting McKinstry will retreat to the dugout. Andy Ibanez will fill in at the keystone and bat third while McKinstry sits.
Aug 29 2023McKinstry went 1-for-3 with a walk, a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry now has hits in three straight games and seven of his last eight appearances. The utility man is still only batting .243 overall, though that's a significant improvement from the .199 mark he posted with the Cubs and Dodgers last season. McKinstry's versatility makes him useful for the Tigers but he's typically not the most exciting fantasy option.
Aug 28 2023McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 17-4 loss to the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry hit a ninth-inning home run off Ryne Stanek for his eighth long ball of the season and first since July 22. He's now reached safely in eight straight games and 11 of his last 12 while splitting time between second base, third base and shortstop. The 28-year-old is now slashing .239/.310/.359 with 27 extra-base hits, 30 RBI, 49 runs, 15 steals and a 37:88 BB:K in 421 plate appearances, which smashes his previous career-high of 185 plate appearances in 2022.
Aug 25 2023McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup Friday against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Framber Valdez starting on the bump for Houston, McKinstry will begin Friday's contest on the bench. His absence will allow Andy Ibanez to start at the keystone and bat second.
Aug 24 2023McKinstry went 1-for-2 with a steal in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry drew a walk in two of his first three plate appearances but was left stranded on each occasion as the Tigers failed to keep pace with Chicago's offense. Then, down two runs in the bottom of the ninth, the right fielder added a single to advance Parker Meadows to third before stealing second base to put the tying run in scoring position. McKinstry has now hit safely in three straight games and in five of his last six, tallying two RBI and two runs scored over that latter stretch while also drawing four walks.
Aug 22 2023McKinstry was added to Tuesday's lineup against the Cubs, starting at third base and batting ninth, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He typically wouldn't start with lefty Drew Smyly on the hill for Chicago, but Javier Baez was a late scratch with an illness.
Aug 20 2023McKinstry is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will join fellow left-handed hitter Akil Baddoo on the bench for the series finale while southpaw Logan Allen takes the mound for Cleveland. With McKinstry out of the lineup, Andy Ibanez will draw the starting nod at second base.
Aug 11 2023McKinstry is out of the lineup Friday versus the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Andy Ibanez will play second base and Zack Short will get the start at third as the Tigers go up against left-hander Chris Sale. The left-handed-hitting McKinstry holds an overall .238/.307/.364 batting line with seven homers and 12 steals in 106 games this year.
Aug 5 2023McKinstry is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Typically when McKinstry heads to the bench, it's because the other team is starting a lefty, but in this case he is sitting against righty Aaron Civale. McKinstry is hitting .108 with two doubles in his last 11 games. Zack Short is drawing the start at second base and hitting eighth while Matt Vierling mans the hot corner.
Jul 30 2023McKinstry is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will hit the bench for the second time in the series while the Marlins bring another southpaw (Jesus Luzardo) to the mound. Zack Short will step in for McKinstry at third base and bat ninth.
Jul 28 2023McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup Friday against Miami. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 2-for-8 with an RBI and a run scored across both games of Thursday's doubleheader, McKinstry will get a breather against lefty Braxton Garrett. McKinstry's absence opens up a spot for Zack Short to start at third base and bat ninth.
Jul 22 2023McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry hit his seventh home run of the season and second of the month in the fifth inning against San Diego starter Seth Lugo. The infielder continues to bat leadoff most days against righties, which was the case Friday, though he often hits the bench when a southpaw is on the mound. He's a cheaper option worth considering in daily formats on days he's in the lineup.
Jul 20 2023McKinstry went 1-for-3 with a walk, a triple and a run scored in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry did his job from the leadoff spot, which is where he typically finds himself against righties. The return of Akil Baddoo earlier this month gives the Tigers another speedy, left-handed bat in the lineup, though McKinstry seems somewhat secure in the No. 1 spot. He's batting just .244 but has chipped in 12 stolen bases to provide some fantasy value in deeper formats.
Jul 19 2023McKinstry is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry and Akil Baddoo will both exit the starting nine while manager A.J. Hinch counters southpaw Ryan Yarbrough with a lineup of seven right-handed hitters. Zack Short will step in for McKinstry at third base.
Jul 6 2023McKinstry is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting McKinstry will bow out of the starting nine for the second time in the series while Oakland brings another southpaw (Hogan Harris) to the hill. With McKinstry on the bench, the Tigers will have Matt Vierling and Andy Ibanez occupy the corner-outfield spots. McKinstry has seen the majority of his starts in right field for the past month, but he'll likely move back to third or second base on a more regular basis once Akil Baddoo (quadriceps) and Riley Greene (fibula) return from the 10-day injured list this weekend.
Jul 2 2023McKinstry went 2-for-5 with two runs scored in Sunday's 14-9 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was a bit overshadowed on a day the Tigers hit five home runs as a team, including two grand slams. However, he still provided a nice contribution from the leadoff spot. McKinstry now has two straight two-hit efforts and is batting .323 over his last 10 games. He should have fantasy value as long as he's locked in at the plate and batting first for Detroit.
Jul 1 2023McKinstry went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and a stolen base in Saturday's 4-2 extra-inning win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry put the Tigers ahead with his 10th-inning blast off Pierce Johnson, and Alex Lange was able to preserve the lead. McKinstry had gone 18 games without a homer and 30 contests without a steal entering Saturday. He's up to six long balls, 11 thefts, 22 RBI, 32 runs scored, 10 doubles and a triple while slashing .248/.333/.381 over 260 plate appearances. He remains the Tigers' preferred leadoff option versus right-handed pitchers, a role he's held for a majority of the season.
Jun 26 2023McKinstry is absent from the lineup Monday against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry collected a double, two RBI and a run scored in Sunday's series finale versus the Twins, but he'll take a seat Monday as the Tigers go righty-heavy against the Rangers and left-hander Andrew Heaney.
Jun 20 2023McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup Tuesday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Daniel Lynch will start the game for Kansas City, so the lefty-hitting McKinstry will retreat to the bench. Zack Short will fill in at the keystone and bat in the leadoff spot while Andy Ibanez starts in right field batting third.
Jun 17 2023McKinstry will sit Saturday against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry has been used in a strict platoon for much of the year, so he'll sit Saturday with lefty Brent Headrick expected to provide the bulk innings behind right-handed opener Jose De Leon. McKinstry got off to a strong start this season, slashing .288/.400/.432 through the end of May, but he's hit just .132/.148/.226 thus far in June. Matt Vierling starts in right field in his absence.
Jun 14 2023McKinstry is not in the lineup for the second game of a doubleheader against Atlanta on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will take a seat for the second game of the twin bill versus Atlanta after going 2-for-5 with an RBI in the 10-7 loss in the first game. Matt Vierling will cover right field in place of McKinstry with Zack Short handling leadoff duties and playing second base.
Jun 11 2023McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 7-5 loss to the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry extended the Tigers' lead to 5-2 with a two-run shot off Zac Gallen in the fourth inning. The 28-year-old McKinstry had been 0-for-15 over his last four games and just 4-for-37 (.108) in his previous 10. Still, McKinstry's ability to play all over the diamond has afforded him a regular role in Detroit. He's slashing .253/.354/.398 with five homers, 27 runs scored, 12 RBI and 10 steals through 197 plate appearances on the campaign.
Jun 4 2023McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a triple and a run scored in Saturday's 2-1 extra-inning loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry had one of the Tigers' three hits in the 10-inning contest and scored the lone run. The utility player is getting an opportunity to lead off most days against righties and he's responded with a .387 on-base percentage and 25 runs scored across 49 games, while also swiping 10 bases. McKinstry has some fantasy value in deeper leagues as long as he's in this role and getting on base.
May 29 2023McKinstry went 2-for-5 with a double, a run scored and two steals in Sunday's 6-5 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry has reached safely in 15 of his past 16 starts, including back-to-back multi-hit games. Since May 8, he's slashing .358/.500/.509 with five RBI, six stolen bases and 12 runs scored. McKinstry made his big-league debut in 2020 as a Dodger but struggled to make an impact in limited action with Los Angeles and had a similar situation with the Cubs last year. However, Detroit has given the 28-year-old a prominent, everyday spot at the top of the order, and McKinstry has responded with quality all-around play.
May 27 2023McKinstry went 3-for-4 with a double, a solo home run and two RBI in Saturday's win over the White Sox. He also stole a base. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry paced Detroit's offense from the top of the order, chipping in his fourth home run and eighth stolen base of the season. The utility player has become a regular leadoff option for the Tigers and has responded with a .291 batting average. As long as he's hitting first most days, McKinstry could have some fantasy value in deeper leagues.
May 26 2023McKinstry went 0-for-1 with three walks, two runs and a stolen base in Thursday's 7-2 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry struck out on three pitches to lead off the game but reached base in every plate appearance thereafter, working three walks and getting hit by a pitch. Those outcomes aren't particularly exciting in most fantasy formats, but the utility man built upon them by swiping a bag and scoring twice. McKinstry has racked up seven steals through 40 games on the campaign, matching his total over 57 contests last year.
May 20 2023McKinstry is not in the starting lineup Saturday against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will take a seat as the Tigers face off with left-hander Patrick Corbin on the mound Saturday. Andy Ibanez will replace him at second base while Miguel Cabrera enters the lineup at designated hitter and bats seventh versus Washington.
May 17 2023McKinstry is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With lefty Rich Hill on the mound for Pittsburgh, the lefty-hitting McKinstry will retreat to the bench for the series finale. Jonathan Schoop will check in for McKinstry at second base, while outfielder Matt Vierling steps in as the Tigers' leadoff hitter.
May 12 2023McKinstry isn't starting Friday against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry is riding a three-game hitting streak in which he's gone 5-for-12 with two runs, an RBI and a steal. However, he'll get a breather with left-hander Marco Gonzales on the mound for Seattle. Jonathan Schoop is starting at the keystone and batting eighth.
May 10 2023McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a steal in Tuesday's loss to the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry is now 5-for-6 in stolen-base attempts, putting him two shy of his total in 57 games last season. The 28-year-old McKinstry has been leading off for the Tigers against right-handed pitching. He's gotten off to a solid start at the plate, slashing .260/.348/.403 with two homers, six RBI and 12 runs scored through 90 plate appearances this season.
May 7 2023McKinstry is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the second time in the series, the lefty-hitting McKinstry will retreat to the bench while the Cardinals bring a southpaw (Steven Matz) to the hill. Jonathan Schoop will fill in at second base, while right fielder Matt Vierling replaces McKinstry in the leadoff spot.
May 5 2023McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup for Friday's game against St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Jordan Montgomery set to start Friday for the Cardinals, the left-handed bat of McKinstry will begin the game in the dugout. Jonathan Schoop will take over at second base and bat sixth.
May 3 2023McKinstry is not in the starting lineup for Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Mets, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Tigers facing left-hander Joey Lucchesi on the mound for New York in Game 1, McKinstry will take a seat for the matinee. Jonathan Schoop will take over at second base and bat sixth against the Mets.
Apr 30 2023McKinstry is starting at second base and batting first in Sunday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry continues to see regular time at second base and in the leadoff spot for the Tigers. He's responded with a solid .296 batting average and .345 on-base percentage. With McKinstry starting, Jonathan Schoop has had to settle for a reserve role.
Apr 2 2023McKinstry may play in most matchups against righties with Jonathan Schoop mostly only facing lefties, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said Schoop would play "sporadically" against righties, so it sounds like McKinstry will be the more regular choice in those matchups. That gives the latter the strong side of the platoon and a chance at more playing time, though McKinstry hasn't done much at the plate during his MLB career, so he's probably still a fringe fantasy option at this point.
Mar 11 2023McKinstry will get looks in the outfield for the rest of the Cactus League season, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry got a look in left field on Saturday, and it's something the Cubs will have him do again during the exhibition season. The former Dodgers prospect is out of options, so Chicago would risk losing him on waivers if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster. Showing the versatility to handle the outfield would go a long way towards McKinstry being a part of the opening group.
Feb 21 2023McKinstry is a candidate to see some time at DH or as a utility player for the Cubs in 2023, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic report. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs signedTrey Mancini over the offseason, presumably to be the team's primary DH. However, the left-handed hitting McKinstry could work into the mix in the right matchups. McKinstry didn't do much with the bat in 2022, registering a .199/.273/.361 line across 57 games, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect too much production.
Oct 5 2022McKinstry went 2-for-6 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's 15-2 victory over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mckinstry struck out swinging to lead off the game before adding a single in his third at-bat. He later jacked a three-run shot to right field in the sixth inning to give the Cubs a commanding 9-2 lead. The Cubs second baseman has now collected four hits in 14 October at-bats (.285) after hitting just .192 in the month of September.
Oct 4 2022McKinstry will sit Tuesday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry hasn't done much since coming to the Cubs at the deadline, hitting .201/.270/.342 in 45 games. There should be playing time available at Wrigley Field next season, but he's done very little to claim a meaningful portion. Patrick Wisdom starts at third base Tuesday.
Oct 1 2022McKinstry isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry is on the bench for a third consecutive game since left-hander Nick Lodolo is starting for the Reds. Patrick Wisdom will take over at the hot corner and bat cleanup.
Sep 30 2022McKinstry isn't in the lineup Friday against Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although right-hander Graham Ashcraft is on the mound for the Reds on Friday, McKinstry will head to the bench for a second consecutive matchup. Patrick Wisdom will take over at the hot corner and bat third.
Sep 29 2022McKinstry is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry started the last 12 games and hit leadoff in all but one of them, but he will head to the bench Thursday with the Cubs employing an all-righty lineup against Philadelphia starter Ranger Suarez. David Bote will join the lineup in McKinstry's place, and Willson Contreras will take his spot at the top of the batting order.
Sep 19 2022McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI in Monday's loss to the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs fell 10-3, though McKinstry did his job from the leadoff spot. The 27-year-old is still only batting .208 this season, so despite getting some opportunities atop the Chicago lineup, he hasn't been a consistent fantasy option. Nico Hoerner (triceps) and Nick Madrigal (groin) should be the team's primary middle infield options in 2023 when both are healthy, with McKinstry possibly around in a reserve role.
Sep 14 2022McKinstry isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry went 6-for-17 with a homer, a triple, a double, two runs and two RBI over the last four games but will head to the bench with left-hander David Peterson on the mound Wednesday. David Bote will start at the keystone and bat ninth.
Sep 12 2022McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Monday's win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry batted leadoff and gave the Cubs a spark with a two-run blast in the third inning, his third home run of the season. The versatile 27-year-old is batting just .204 for the season, though he's improved that figure to .281 over his last 10 games, and he's started three consecutive contests at second base with Nick Madrigal (groin) currently on the injured list.
Sep 11 2022McKinstry went 4-for-5 with a triple, a double and a run in a 4-2 loss to the Giants on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry ignited Chicago's offense from the leadoff spot with a single in the first inning, double and run in the fifth, single in the seventh and triple in the ninth. The four-hit performance is the 27-year-old's first of the season and snaps a 15 at-bat hitless stretch. McKinstry is slashing .205/.255/.318 with one home run, seven runs, four RBI and 3 stolen bases in 28 games with Chicago.
Aug 31 2022McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI in Wednesday's win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was a capable leadoff hitter for the Cubs as they rattled off seven runs. The infielder is still batting just .190, so while he's getting some looks atop the lineup here and there, it's hard to trust him much in fantasy given his lack of playing time or consistent production. He does have hits in four of his last five games, at least.
Aug 30 2022McKinstry is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting McKinstry has now been on the bench for three straight matchups with right-handed pitchers and appears to have faded into a reserve role. Christopher Morel, who had previously seen most of his starts in center field or at second base, appears to have usurped McKinstry as the Cubs' top third baseman.
Aug 29 2022McKinstry is not in the starting lineup Monday against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will take a seat after he went 1-for-4 with a run scored Sunday versus the Brewers. Christopher Morel will slide over to third base while Rafael Ortega enters the lineup in center field and bats seventh in the series opener.
Aug 27 2022McKinstry isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry started the last three games and went 2-for-11 with a home run, three RBI, two runs and two strikeouts. Christopher Morel will take over at the hot corner and bat ninth Saturday.
Aug 24 2022McKinstry went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and three total RBI in Wednesday's win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry did some damage from the bottom of the order, hitting just his second home run of the season in the seventh inning against St. Louis starter Miles Mikolas. McKinstry started at third base in this one, which is where he's been seeing more time recently with Patrick Wisdom playing over at first. The playing time is nice, but McKinstry is still batting just .175 with a .548 OPS, so he'll have to do more at the plate to establish fantasy value.
Aug 23 2022McKinstry is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry hit leadoff in Game 1 and went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run in Chicago's 2-0 victory, and he'll head to the bench in the nightcap. Christopher Morel will shift to the hot corner while Nelson Velazquez starts in center field.
Aug 22 2022McKinstry isn't starting Monday against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry is on the bench for the third time in the last four games since left-hander Jordan Montgomery is on the mound for St. Louis. Christopher Morel is starting at third base and batting ninth.
Aug 21 2022McKinstry is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will sit for the second time in the last three games, this time against righty Brandon Woodruff. Christopher Morel will take over at third base and hit ninth.
Aug 19 2022McKinstry isn't starting Friday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry started the last two games and went 1-for-8 with a stolen base and four strikeouts. He'll get a breather against left-hander Aaron Ashby while Patrick Wisdom shifts to the hot corner with P.J. Higgins starting at first base.
Aug 16 2022McKinstry is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was included in the lineup in each of the past three games and went 2-for-12 with two doubles, a walk, a stolen base and a run. Patrick Wisdom will cover third base Tuesday, but McKinstry may be the Cubs' preferred option at the position at the moment.
Aug 9 2022McKinstry went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry tallied his first three hits for the Cubs in his sixth game with the team. The 27-year-old has the versatility to play all over the field, though he seems like more of a reserve player in Chicago at this point, particularly with Nick Madrigal taking on a larger role at second base. That limits McKinstry's fantasy value for now, but he could see an uptick if he earns more playing time.
Aug 8 2022McKinstry isn't starting Monday against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry went 0-for-13 with five strikeouts over his first four games with the Cubs and will head to the bench for a second consecutive matchup. Nick Madrigal is starting at second base and batting eighth.
Aug 7 2022McKinstry is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry is 1-for-14 with six strikeouts through his first five games with Chicago and will head to the bench Sunday. Nick Madrigal will start at the keystone in the series finale versus Miami.
Aug 4 2022McKinstry is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry started the past two contests and went 0-for-4 during Chicago's Game 1 loss, and he'll take a seat for the nightcap. Nick Madrigal will man the keystone for the Cubs in the second game of the twin bill.
Jul 30 2022McKinstry was traded from the Dodgers to the Cubs on Saturday in exchange for Chris Martin, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A 33rd round pick in 2016, McKinstry has a .323/.401/.550 slash line with 18 home runs in 114 games at Triple-A, but his .210/.266/.403 career line in 74 games in the majors is less impressive. He has played at every position besides catcher, first base and center field this year alone, so his defensive versatility is a big plus.
Jul 6 2022McKinstry (neck) was activated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old landed on the injured list in late June with neck stiffness, and he'll rejoin the active roster after being out for the 10-day minimum. Chris Taylor (foot) was placed on the injured list in a corresponding move, which could open up some playing time for McKinstry.
Jul 4 2022McKinstry (neck) started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will be thrown right into action, as according to Stephen, he's set to lead off and start at shortstop. He was placed on the 10-day injured list June 28 due to neck stiffness, making Friday the earliest that he can be activated. McKinstry will likely be evaluated over the next few days after seeing game action to determine whether he can return after the 10-day minimum.
Jul 1 2022McKinstry (neck) is getting close to a rehab assignment, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was only placed on the injured list Tuesday but fielded grounders Thursday and is now nearing a rehab assignment Friday. A minimum-length absence appears to be in play.
Jun 30 2022McKinstry (neck) was fielding groundballs prior to Thursday's game against the Padres, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry landed on the injured list Tuesday, so the fact that he was able to participate in some activity so quickly is a positive sign. He's eligible to be activated July 7 and may not require much more than the minimum time period to recover.
Jun 28 2022McKinstry (neck) was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was scratched from Sunday's contest with neck stiffness and was expected to be sidelined for at least a couple more days, and he'll now make his way to the injured list. Jake Lamb had his contract selected in a corresponding move.
Jun 27 2022McKinstry (neck) isn't starting Monday's game against the Rockies, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was scratched from Sunday's lineup against Atlanta due to neck stiffness and will take a seat for a second consecutive game. Trayce Thompson is starting in right field and batting ninth once again.
Jun 26 2022McKinstry was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta due to neck stiffness, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was initially slated to start in right field Sunday but was removed from the starting lineup just over an hour before first pitch. Trayce Thompson is taking over in right field and batting ninth.
Jun 19 2022McKinstry was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old will take the roster spot of Mookie Betts, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a cracked rib in a corresponding move. McKinstry has appeared in only four major-league games this season and is 1-for-5 with a two-run home run, and he should receive some opportunities in right field while Betts is sidelined. McKinstry has hit well at Oklahoma City this year with a .328/.414/.463 slash line in 46 contests.
Jun 18 2022McKinstry will likely get recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This wouldn't generally be that interesting for fantasy, but Mookie Betts was placed on the 10-day injured list with a cracked rib, so McKinstry could see playing time against right-handed pitching in the short term. He is hitting .330/.417/.469 with three home runs in 45 games at Triple-A.
Jun 9 2022McKinstry was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry will return to Oklahoma City after being recalled last Thursday, going 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in his only appearance Friday. The move was made in correspondence with Max Muncy (elbow) being activated from the 10-day injured list. McKinstry will likely remain a top candidate for a call-up as the season goes on.
Jun 4 2022McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 6-1 win against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was called up from Triple-A on Thursday and saw his first big-league action in over a month Friday. He struck out in his first at-bat before launching a 376-foot, two-run shot to right field in the fourth inning. McKinstry has some pop -- he hit seven long balls in 158 at-bats with the Dodgers last season -- but isn't likely to receive enough playing time in the majors to be a viable fantasy asset.
Jun 2 2022McKinstry was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since Kevin Pillar (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day injured list, McKinstry will rejoin the Dodgers as a utility man after spending a month in the minors. Over 38 games in Oklahoma City this year, McKinstry has slashed .338/.424/.464 with two homers, 31 runs and 19 RBI. While the 27-year-old has some defensive versatility, he should serve as a depth option since Cody Bellinger is back in action Thursday.
May 2 2022The Dodgers optioned McKinstry to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry and reliever Carson Fulmer (designated for assignment) were casualties with the Dodgers having to reduce their active roster from 28 to 26 men ahead of Monday's deadline. The 27-year-old has received just one plate appearance across multiple short stints with the Dodgers this season, but he should get the chance to play on an everyday basis at Oklahoma City.
Apr 30 2022McKinstry was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was sent to the minors earlier in the week, but the Dodgers were able to bring him up just a few days later with pitcher Mitch White (illness) landing on the injured list. McKinstry has already been involved in several transactions this season, so his latest big-league stay could be brief.
Apr 25 2022McKinstry was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry had been on the active roster since Wednesday (aside from a brief blip Sunday when he was optioned and quickly recalled again) but received just a single plate appearance. His defensive versatility should continue to earn him the occasional opportunity, but he doesn't appear to be close to a regular role. Andre Jackson was called up to take his place on the roster.
Apr 24 2022The Dodgers recalled McKinstry from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Sunday's game against the Padres, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Los Angeles had optioned McKinstry to Triple-A earlier in the day to make room on the 28-man active roster for reliever Reyes Moronta, but the utility man will end up rejoining the big club following David Price's surprise move to the IL just minutes before Sunday's series finale. McKinstry will give the Dodgers some extra versatility off the bench, but he's not expected to see meaningful at-bats while he's up with the big club.
Apr 20 2022The Dodgers recalled McKinstry from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Starting pitcher Andrew Heaney (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day injured list to open up a spot on the active roster for McKinstry, who will give the Dodgers another utility option off the bench for Wednesday's game against Atlanta with Gavin Lux (back) unavailable for the series finale. Lux is expected to return to the lineup for Friday's game in San Diego, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Dodgers elected to replace McKinstry on the roster with a pitcher at some point this weekend.
Mar 29 2022McKinstry was optioned to minor-league camp Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry filled a utility role on-and-off for the Dodgers last season and won't open 2022 in the majors. The 26-year-old hit .215/.263/.405 in 172 plate appearances in the majors during the 2021 campaign.
Oct 8 2021McKinstry is not on the Dodgers' roster for the NLDS, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old was on the roster for the NL Wild Card Game against the Cardinals but didn't make an appearance off the bench. Walker Buehler and David Price are on the roster for the NLDS, while McKinstry and Luke Raley have been left off.
Oct 6 2021McKinstry was added to the roster for Wednesday's NL Wild Card Game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry spent nearly a month at Triple-A Oklahoma City to close out the regular season, and he slashed .286/.356/.571 with four homers, 18 runs, 13 RBI and three stolen bases across 20 appearances in the minors. He'll likely be available off the bench in Wednesday's playoff matchup.
Sep 7 2021McKinstry was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He has been up and down between the majors and Triple-A a couple times over the month, but only has five MLB at-bats since July 27. Steven Souza's contract was selected in a corresponding move.
Sep 1 2021McKinstry was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was sent down in mid-August and made 10 appearances with the Triple-A club since then. He slashed .295/.395/.514 with two home runs, a triple, seven runs and five RBI during his minor-league stint but will now rejoin the Dodgers to serve as utility depth.
Aug 15 2021McKinstry was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was called up Saturday, but he'll return to the minors after left-hander Darien Nunez (undisclosed) was reinstated from the injured list Sunday. The 26-year-old has gone 2-for-17 with a homer, five runs, three RBI and four walks across five minor-league games since the start of August.
Aug 14 2021The Dodgers are recalling McKinstry from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old has been with the Dodgers' taxi squad but will now be active with the big-league club. McKinstry figures to get some playing time in right field while Mookie Betts (hip) is on the injured list.
Aug 1 2021McKinstry was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old has played a significant role at times for Los Angeles this year, but he'll head to the minors Sunday with Mookie Betts (hip) returning from the injured list. Corey Seager also returned from the shelf this week and Trea Turner (COVID-19) is poised to join the team relatively soon after being acquired from the Nationals, so McKinstry is unlikely to have more than a bench role if he does rejoin the big-league roster down the stretch.
Jul 29 2021McKinstry isn't starting Thursday's game against the Giants, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was initially listed as the starting right fielder for Thursday's contest, but the Dodgers issued a corrected lineup with Billy McKinney starting in right field and batting seventh. It wouldn't be surprising to see the 26-year-old McKinstry available off the bench Thursday.
Jul 25 2021McKinstry will start at second base and bat seventh Sunday against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Gavin Lux (hamstring) on the injured list, Max Muncy (personal) on the paternity list and Cody Bellinger (hamstring) and Mookie Betts (hip) considered day-to-day with injuries, McKinstry has been able to hold down a near-everyday role for the past week. He'll pick up his sixth start in eight games Sunday, manning the keystone while Chris Taylor shifts over to the left side of the infield to cover Lux's spot at shortstop.
Jul 10 2021McKinstry went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Los Angeles' 22-1 thrashing of Arizona on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry entered for Max Muncy in the fifth and homered in the seventh to extend the Dodgers' lead to 15-0. The infielder is now slashing .248/.298/.465 in 48 games.
Jul 8 2021McKinstry hit a solo home run in his only at-bat during Wednesday's loss to the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Dodgers down by a run and one out in the ninth inning, McKinstry came to the plate and knocked a solo homer to right field. The long ball was his third in his past eight games. Over that span, he has complemented the homer total with six RBI, four runs and a .300/.333/.750 slash line.
Jun 27 2021McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a grand slam in Sunday's 7-1 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry broke open the previously scoreless game in the second inning by going yard with the bases loaded off Adbert Alzolay. It was his first career grand slam. In addition, he has two long balls in his last three games. The 26-year-old is slashing .259/.309/.455 with five homers, 26 RBI and 15 runs in 123 plate appearances.
Jun 26 2021McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Friday's 6-2 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry led off the third with a solo shot to center field to put the Dodgers up 2-1. It was the 26-year-old's first home run since April 14 and his fourth overall of the year. He's slashing .248/.302/.429 with 11 extra-base hits, 22 RBI, 14 runs scored, a steal and an 8:32 BB:K. The Dodgers have recently gotten all their everyday players back from injury aside from Corey Seager (hand), which will make it tough for McKinstry to see consistent playing time moving forward.
Jun 20 2021McKinstry is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry had started in six of the Dodgers' last seven games, going 7-for-19 with three walks, two doubles, three RBI and three runs. His run of steady playing time will likely come to an end soon, as the Dodgers are expected to reinstate both Max Muncy (oblique) and Cody Bellinger (hamstring) from the injured list within the next few days.
Jun 18 2021McKinstry is not in the starting lineup Friday against Arizona, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was present in the starting nine each of the previous five games, so the utility man will get a well-deserved rest for the series opener at Chase Field.
Jun 16 2021McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry singled his first time up and then roped an RBI double to the gap in right-center field and eventually came around to score as well. The 26-year-old has two multi-hit performances in his last three games but his slashing just .212/.270/.273 with seven hits, seven RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base in 13 games since returning from the injured list May 29.
Jun 14 2021McKinstry went 3-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a walk in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry reached safely in all four of his plate appearances in a game for the first time this season. His third-inning double off Dane Dunning plated a pair of runs. The utilityman has filled in nicely for the Dodgers, slashing .263/.307/.450 with 20 RBI and 10 runs in 88 plate appearances.
Jun 3 2021McKinstry went 1-for-4 with a walk, two runs, two RBI and a stolen base in a 14-3 rout of the Cardinals on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The utilityman contributed to Los Angeles' 11-run first inning with a two-RBI single. He subsequently stole second base and came around to score on a Mookie Betts single. McKinstry had gone 0-for-10 since returning from the injured list May 29, so he'll look to build upon Wednesday's performance as he attempts to get back on track.
May 29 2021McKinstry (oblique) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry missed over a month due to an oblique strain but recently went on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 26-year-old should mainly work in a utility role, but he could be a candidate to start in right field against the Giants on Saturday since Mookie Betts will get a day off. McKinstry slashed .296/.328/.556 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 17 games with the Dodgers earlier in the season.
May 26 2021Manager Dave Roberts said McKinstry (oblique) is expected to be activated from the injured list Saturday or Sunday versus the Giants, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old has been sidelined over a month by an oblique strain, but he's poised to rejoin the Dodgers in a few days after starting a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City last weekend. McKinstry should work in a utility role once activated after posting an .884 OPS through his first 17 appearances of the season.
May 23 2021Manager Dave Roberts said "it's fair" to expect McKinstry (oblique) to return from the injured list against the Giants next weekend, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City alongside Cody Bellinger (lower leg) on Friday, and the pair are on track to rejoin the Dodgers next weekend. McKinstry has been sidelined since April 20 with the oblique issue and will take about a week's worth of rehab games before being activated.
May 20 2021McKinstry (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry had his rehab assignment pushed back a few days, but he apparently has made enough progress to move forward towards a return. McKinstry has been out since April 20 with the injury, so he will likely need several plate appearances prior to being activated.
May 18 2021McKinstry (oblique) will report to Triple-A Oklahoma City for a rehab assignment later this week, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was previously reported the 26-year-old would begin the rehab stint Sunday or Monday, but apparently things got pushed back a few days. McKinstry has been on the shelf nearly a month with the oblique strain and appears to be on the cusp of rejoining the Dodgers.
May 14 2021McKinstry (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday or Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A right oblique strain has sidelined McKinstry since April 20. He's nearly ready to begin playing in minor-league games and will join the Dodgers' top minor-league affiliate right away. It's not clear how much time he'll need to shake the rust, but expect McKinstry to have a regular role waiting for him after the 26-year-old impressed with a .296/.328/.556 slash line in 17 games to begin the regular season. He can play second base, third and both corner outfield positions.
May 8 2021McKinstry is making progress in his recovery from a strained right oblique, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Dave Roberts provided an update on McKinstry on Friday, indicating that the utilityman was "able to sneeze and not feel anything." Though that may come across as an odd recovery note, Roberts explained, "When you're talking about the oblique, that's a big deal." A clear timeframe for McKinstry's return has yet to be established, and he'll likely need to get some minor-league at-bats before he's able to rejoin the big club.
Apr 26 2021McKinstry (oblique) will be sent to the Dodgers' alternate training site over the weekend to continue his rehab, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a right oblique strain and isn't expected to be activated when first eligible. His return date remains unclear at this time.
Apr 24 2021McKinstry's oblique strain is expected to keep him out for more than 10 days, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was off to a strong start, hitting .298/.328/.556 with three homers in 17 games, before being shut down with a strained right oblique. His expected return date is not yet clear.
Apr 23 2021McKinstry has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right oblique strain, retroactive to April 22. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry had been out of the lineup for the last two games due to lower-back stiffness, but he's now been diagnosed with an oblique strain that will force him to miss additional time. It's not yet clear when McKinstry could return to game action, but Chris Taylor (back) and Luke Raley could see increased playing time in his absence, while DJ Peters was also recalled by the Dodgers in a corresponding move.
Apr 22 2021McKinstry was scratched from the Dodgers' lineup Thursday with lower back stiffness, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was originally slated to play in right field and bat eighth, though back stiffness will force him to the bench. Luke Raley will step in and bat eighth in McKinstry's absence.
Apr 18 2021McKinstry is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wanted to stock up on some extra right-handed bats to counter Padres southpaw Blake Snell, so McKinstry will take a seat in favor of Sheldon Neuse, who was called up from the taxi squad ahead of the series finale. With Gavin Lux (wrist) joining Cody Bellinger (lower leg) on the 10-day injured list, however, McKinstry should still have a clear path to regular starts against right-handed pitching.
Apr 17 2021McKinstry went 3-for-6 with a double and and two RBI in Friday's win over San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry plated a run with an RBI double in the eighth inning, then provided an insurance run with a single in the 12th. The three-hit game was his second of the campaign. McKinstry leads all National League rookies this season in hits (14), home runs (three) and RBI (13).
Apr 15 2021McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Wednesday in a win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry got the start in right field, marking his sixth game at the position this season. He singled in the sixth inning and gave the Dodgers some breathing room with a solo shot to left field in the eighth. The 25-year-old has impressed so far this season, slashing .333/.361/.727 with three home runs and 11 RBI -- tied for tops on the team in both of those counting stats.
Apr 11 2021McKinstry went 2-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored on a two-run homer and a double in Sunday's 3-0 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry was responsible for all three of the Dodgers' runs as he opened up the scoring with an RBI double in the second inning and provided some extra insurance in the seventh with a two-run long ball to right field. The 25-year-old has combined for five RBI in the last two games, as he's filled in beautifully while Cody Bellinger (calf) has been on the shelf. It may be hard for McKinstry to find consistent playing time once Bellinger returns, but manager Dave Roberts will have to find ways to get the rookie in the lineup if he continues his solid production at the plate.
Apr 7 2021McKinstry will bat eighth and start in right field Wednesday against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The rookie will be awarded a fourth straight start after getting off to a 6-for-15 start to the season, with four of those hits going for extra bases. He's benefiting to some extent from the Dodgers having a designated hitter available for the three games in Oakland this week along with Cody Bellinger (calf) being day-to-day, but McKinstry has made a strong case to at least handle a part-time role when Los Angeles is playing in National League parks with all of its key regulars healthy.
Apr 5 2021McKinstry went 3-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored in Monday's win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry has been one of the Dodgers' most pleasant surprises during the first week of the season, as he has hit safely in each of his first four contests -- though this was his first multi-hit game of the campaign. He already has three doubles and is making an impact offensively for the Dodgers, either as a pinch hitter or as a bottom-of-the-order bat.
Apr 3 2021McKinstry went 1-for-2 with an inside-the-park home run in Saturday's win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry entered the game as a defensive substitution in the bottom of the seventh but made his presence felt with his first at-bat, hitting what appeared to be a home run -- but outfielder Raimel Tapia brought it back when trying to make the catch. As a result, McKinstry was credited with an inside-the-park homer in what was just his second at-bat of the season. McKinstry has hit safely in his first two games of the campaign, going 2-for-3 while coming into the game as a pinch-hitter in both contests.
Mar 29 2021McKinstry has earned a spot on the Dodgers' Opening Day roster, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry saw plenty of chances to prove himself in spring training, and he did enough to make the Opening Day roster as a utility player. He hit .293 with a home run, six RBI and a stolen base in 41 at-bats.
Feb 26 2021McKinstry is aiming to break camp with the Dodgers as a utility player, Rowan Kavner of Dodger Insider reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Enrique Hernandez now in Boston, the Dodgers have a need for a utility-type player to fill his shoes. McKinstry primarily played middle infield during his time in the minors, but he has also seen time at third base and all three outfield positions. The 25-year-old slashed .300/.366/.516 with 19 home runs and 78 RBI across two minor-league stops in 2019 and looked good in spring training last year, so he has a legitimate shot at making the Opening Day roster.
Sep 21 2020The Dodgers optioned McKinstry to their alternate training site Monday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry's demotion clears a spot on the 28-man active roster for Joc Pederson (personal), who was reinstated from the family medical emergency list ahead of Tuesday's series opener versus the Athletics. The rookie utility man appeared in four games during his stint with the big club, going 2-for-7 with a double and a run scored.
Sep 16 2020McKinstry made his major-league debut against the Padres on Wednesday, striking out in his only plate appearance. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old was called up early Wednesday after Joc Pederson was placed on the family medical emergency list. McKinstry logged his first big-league at-bat as a pinch hitter for Justin Turner in the ninth inning, striking out on five pitches. The Dodgers became the first team to wrap up a playoff spot with the win, so McKinstry may get occasional playing time for as long as he sticks on the roster. However, he's unlikely to see the field often enough to make an impact in fantasy.
Aug 6 2020McKinstry was optioned to the Dodgers' alternate camp site Thursday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Dodgers needed to trim their roster to 28 and McKinstry was one of two roster casualties. The 25-year-old spent just one day with the big club and didn't make an appearance.
Aug 5 2020McKinstry was called up by the Dodgers on Wednesday, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old's next big-league appearance will be his first. He hit an impressive .300/.366/.516 while playing every position except first base, catcher and pitcher across the two highest levels of the minors last season and should be set to fill a utility role. Victor Gonzalez was optioned in a corresponding move.
Jul 22 2020Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that McKinstry is "an injury away" from making the team's roster, Michael J. Duarte of NBC LA reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McKinstry enjoyed a breakout season in the minors in 2019 and continued to impress in spring training and summer camp, slashing a combined .414/.452/.862 with three home runs and seven RBI between Cactus League action and summer exhibition games. While a spot on the Opening Day roster remains unlikely, McKinstry could be first in line for a transfer to the big-league club if a spot opens up during the season, especially considering his ability to field multiple positions.