Detroit Tigers

Burch Smith

RP

The procedure brings an end to Smith's season, after the right-hander struggled to bounce back upon hitting the injured list May 22 due to shoulder inflammation. Before being deactivated, Smith turned in a 3.18 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB across 17 innings over 13 appearances for Detroit. The 36-year-old righty is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agency this winter.

Parker Meadows

CF

Meadows doesn't appear to be a realistic candidate to return from the 60-day injured list for the Tigers' final series of the season, but he could be in store for something close to a normal offseason. The 26-year-old outfielder slashed just .250/.308/.333 with three stolen bases, three runs and two RBI over 39 plate appearances with Detroit before hitting the shelf after sustaining a fractured left radius bone in his left arm and concussion during an on-field collision April 9.

Colt Keith

3B

He missed a couple games last week with thumb soreness, and subsequent testing revealed a sprain. The injury will bring an end to the season for Keith, who finishes with a .258/.322/.406 batting line and 10 home runs over 140 contests for the Tigers. Gleyber Torres and/or Eduardo Valencia could handle designated-hitter duties for the Tigers in the final week while Keith is out.

Troy Melton

SP

While it's unfortunate that Melton's season will end with him on the IL, it's good news that he appears to have avoided any structural issues with his pitching arm. He had a 7.79 ERA in four September starts, so the fatigue could be something that's nagged at Melton for a little while. Even after the poor final month, Melton will finish with a 2.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 94:37 K:BB over 114.1 innings covering 20 starts for the Tigers.

Kerry Carpenter

RF

Carpenter has been on the shelf since July 27 due to left foot plantar fascitiis, and despite the 72-80 Tigers facing long odds to secure a postseason spot, the 29-year-old isn't yet willing to close the door on a potential return. If Carpenter does end up making it back before the season ends Sept. 27, he could be limited to more of a part-time role.