Detroit Tigers’ Riley Greene returns from injured list for MLB Little League Classic

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene has been activated from the injured list just in time for in the MLB Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Greene, who turns 24 in late September, recovered from a right hamstring strain and completed his rehab assignment. He will play in Sunday’s showcase game against the New York Yankees at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.

It will be his first game for the Tigers since July 25.

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Greene played in two games for Triple-A Toledo as part of his rehab assignment, both in left field. He finished 1-for-6 with no walks and a strikeout in six plate appearances.

The Tigers didn’t need to make a corresponding move when reinstating Greene from the injured list because teams get a 27th player for special-event games, meaning everyone else on the roster — including fellow left-handed hitting position player Zach McKinstry — is safe from a corresponding move until Tuesday.

A roster move will be needed, however, before Tuesday’s opener of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

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For the Tigers, Greene is hitting .264 with 17 home runs, 51 walks and 109 strikeouts across 101 games in 2024, his third MLB season. His .842 OPS ranks 20th among 140 qualified batters. For his performance, he earned his way to becoming a first-time All-Star this season.

Greene is the Tigers’ best player on offense.

And he’s ready to play again.

Gio Urshela clears waivers

Third baseman Gio Urshela, whom the Tigers recently designated for assignment, cleared outright waivers Sunday. The 32-year-old has been placed on unconditional release waivers, a formality to being released and becoming a free agent.

Urshela, who hit .243 with a .619 OPS in 92 games with the Tigers, will be postseason-eligible if he signs with a new team by Aug. 31. He has participated in the playoffs four times throughout his nine-year MLB career, including three times with the Yankees.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

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