Detroit Tigers DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Detroit Tigers catching prospect Dillon Dingler has been unable to find stable playing time since joining the major league roster on July 28. In this span, the backstop has only started two games and gone 2-for-9 at the plate with one extra-base hit and a 2:3 BB:K ratio. 29-year-old Jake Rogers has continued to see the majority of starts. However, he holds a .197 AVG with just seven home runs across 68 games. At Triple-A this summer, Dingler posted a stellar .308/.379/.559 slash line with 17 home runs and 52 RBI. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Dingler's playing time as he could eventually take over starting duties in the Motor City, especially given Rogers' struggles.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows was activated from the IL after recovering from his hamstring issue. Meadows missed a month of games. He will bat seventh and play center field today against the Kansas City Royals. On the season, Meadows is hitting .131 with three home runs, five RBI, four stolen bases, and 11 runs scored in only 97 plate appearances. Meadows will look to improve his first-half line this month and should have an extended opportunity to play daily in Detroit.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene (hamstring) has resumed some baseball activity, but he has not yet started fully running again. While Green is scheduled to face Casey Mize in a live batting session at Comerica Park during this weekend's series with the division-rival Kansas City Royals, a more important point of progression from a right hamstring strain will come when he resumes running at full strength. The 23-year-old left fielder remains without a clear timetable for a return to the Tigers until that happens, but he remains a must-stash fantasy player after slashing .264/.357/.485 with 17 home runs, 21 doubles, 51 RBI, and 57 runs scored over 427 plate appearances before going on the injured list. In the meantime, Bligh Madris and Ryan Vilade should see more playing time in the Motor City.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter (back) was seen running the bases on Thursday, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. This is typically the final step before embarking on a rehab assignment. Carpenter has been sidelined since May stress fracture in his spine. Prior to the injury, the 26-year-old held a strong .283/.342/.572 line with eight home runs. Given how much time the Virginia Tech product has missed, he should be expected to embark on an extended rehab stint. When he returns, Carpenter should be the favorite to see the majority of opportunities in right field. In the meantime, Wenceel Perez and Justyn-Henry Malloy should continue to see most of the starts.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows (hamstring) is likely to return this weekend, according to Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. Meadows has been sidelined since the start of July with a hamstring strain. The 24-year-old logged three rehab games with Triple-A Toledo earlier this week. Meadows has looked great at Triple-A this season, boasting an excellent .292/.392/.503 line with eight home runs and 19 swiped bags. However, in the big leagues, he has had trouble finding consistency with an underwhelming .131/.247/.286 line. Meadows could be worth a look in deeper redraft leagues once he is cleared to return, as he was riding a three-game hitting streak before hitting the injured list last month.