Dumbfounded: Spencer Torkelson's inconsistent production compounding Tigers' problems

Jul 13, 2026 - 19:30

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Dumbfounded: Spencer Torkelson's inconsistent production compounding Tigers' problems originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Twice, with the Detroit Tigers trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by three runs, Spencer Torkelson stepped into the batter's box at Comerica Park with an opportunity to spark the offense.

His first chance developed in the sixth inning Saturday, facing NL All-Star Game starter Cristopher Sanchez (11-4) with a runner at first and no outs. The 2020 No. 1 overall draft choice grounded into a double play, ending a possible threat.

In the eighth inning, with the bases loaded and no outs, Torkelson faced reliever Jonathan Bowlan and grounded meekly to shortstop Trea Turner, who allowed a run to score to initiate a double-dipper. The Tigers' six-game winning streak ended with a 4-2 defeat, along with some of the team's pre-All-Star break momentum.

On Sunday, with Riley Green on first base and no outs, Torkelson grounded into his third consecutive double play as the Tigers went on to lose, 5-0.

Torkelson, who has collected two 31-home run campaigns but has suffered prolonged offensive droughts, continues to keep the coaching staff and front office dumbfounded.

Tigers need consistent offense from 1B Spencer Torkelson

Compounding Torkelson's struggles Saturday was his result with the bases loaded. During his five-year career, the 26-year-old generated just three hits in 37 bases-loaded opportunities, one of the worst marks in MLB history.

A career .224 hitter, Torkelson has battled the Mendoza line for much of the spring and summer, exiting Sunday with a .208 batting average with 16 homers and 43 RBI. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch often displaces the perplexing right-handed hitter up and down the lineup, from the fourth spot to the seventh.

How inconsistent is Torkelson?

Consider he didn't connect on his first home run this season until April 22, then homered in five straight starts. Torkelson went 1-for-15 during his final four outings before the break.

Attempting to overcome a 6-22 May, the Tigers likely will need middle-of-the-order consistency from Torkelson to cut into their 3.5-game AL Wild Card deficit. Returning Friday to open a series against the host Los Angeles Angels, the Tigers (44-52) trail the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians by 6.5 games.

Will Torkelson ever settle into a clean-up role, able to produce power and average?

So far, he has kept the Tigers dumbfounded.