Astros Rally for 8-6 Win Over Tigers, Denying Hinch 1,000th Victory

Q: Why was a Tigers rookie demoted to the minors on the same day he hit a home run?

He was sent to Triple-A Toledo because the Tigers needed a roster spot and believed he would benefit more from regular playing time than from a limited major league role. Hao-Yu Lee’s home run did not change the roster math. Detroit was activating veteran second baseman Gleyber Torres from the injured list, which forced a move on the 26-man roster. Lee was the most practical player to option because he still has minor-league options, while infielder Zack Short does not and offers defensive flexibility, especially at shortstop. Manager A.J. Hinch made clear the decision was about development, not punishment. Lee, 23, was called up earlier than expected because of injuries and had not logged much Triple-A time. With Torres back, Lee’s path to everyday at-bats in Detroit narrowed significantly, so the club chose to send him down where he can play every day and continue refining both his offense and defense. The Tigers remain high on Lee despite the demotion. Hinch said Lee had “matured right before our eyes” and indicated the club expects him back. At the time of the move, Lee had shown flashes of power, including the homer, but was still adjusting in his first extended major league stint, hitting .205 with two home runs in 32 games.

1 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 27

Isaac Paredes broke a 6-6 tie with a two-run double in the eighth after Jeremy Peña's RBI single evened the game, lifting Houston over Detroit 8-6.
A.J. Hinch entered with 999 career wins, but Detroit's bullpen let the lead slip after the Tigers carried a 6-5 edge into the eighth.
Kerry Carpenter's third career grand slam turned a 3-0 deficit into a 4-3 Detroit lead in the third, and Hao-Yu Lee added a solo homer in the fifth.
Bryan King threw a perfect eighth and Josh Hader closed the ninth for his seventh save as Houston snapped Detroit's push for Hinch's milestone.
The clubs meet again Sunday in their seventh game in 14 days, with Houston set to start hometown right-hander Hunter Brown against Jack Flaherty.