The Detroit Tigers, one of the MLB’s surprise teams at this juncture in the 2020 season, announced on Tuesday that their starting first baseman CJ Cron will head to the injured list with a left knee sprain.
Cron, who is batting just .190 on the season but with a .346 on-base percentage as well as 4 home runs and 8 RBI, was injured on Monday night as he attempted to field a ground ball hit by Danny Mendick in the fourth inning in the Tigers’ 5-1 victory. He limped off of the field and was immediately replaced for the remainder of the game.
His bat, an important presence in the middle of Detroit’s lineup, has been key in propelling the underdog Tigers to a winning record. No one expected Detroit to be in playoff contention, but they just might be one of the teams that will sneak into the playoffs this year.
It remains to be seen how the Tigers will look to replace Cron during his injury absence. One option would be for Miguel Cabrera to see time at first base, or the team could opt to move Jeimer Candelario from third to first base and give Dawel Lugo a chance at the hot corner.
The team did not reveal how much time Cron is expected to miss, although he will be out for at least the next couple of weeks.
