Detroit Tigers' Kevin McGonigle suffers hamstring strain, Tyler Mattison has elbow surgery

LAKELAND, Fla. — Detroit Tigers shortstop prospect Kevin McGonigle, the No. 37 overall pick in the 2023 draft, might not be ready for the start of the minor-league season because of a minor injury.

McGonigle, 19, has a mild left hamstring strain.

The Tigers aren't going to rush McGonigle's return, thus protecting him from future injury, which means he could miss the start of the minor-league season. Regular season games for Low-A Lakeland, High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie begin April 5.

JEFF SEIDEL: How Tigers No. 1 prospect Max Clark learned to be himself again

McGonigle, one of the best pure hitters in last year's draft, was supposed to play in Saturday's Spring Breakout prospect game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.

He was scratched because of the hamstring strain.

McGonigle, a left-handed hitting shortstop who could eventually transition to second base, kickstarted his return-to-play progression Saturday with the first stages of a hitting progression. The Tigers could send him to extended spring training, but only if he isn't ready for affiliated games by April 5.

In 2023, McGonigle hit .315 with one home run, 18 walks and 10 strikeouts across 21 games at the Florida Complex League and Low-A Lakeland levels, making the jump from Monsignor Bonner High School in Pennsylvania.

For the Flying Tigers, McGonigle hit .350 with one homer, seven walks and five strikeouts across 12 games.

A Tommy John victim

Right-handed reliever Tyler Mattison, the No. 104 overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Bryant University, underwent Tommy John surgery Friday to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

He will miss the entire 2024 season.

THE KIDS: Why Tigers' old trio of pitching prospects reminds me so much of new trio

Mattison, a 24-year-old who throws from a high arm slot, pitched out of the bullpen for High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie last season. He posted a 2.41 ERA with 28 walks and 91 strikeouts across 59⅔ innings, spanning 41 games.

He had a 3.42 ERA in 26⅓ innings, averaging 15.4 strikeouts per nine innings, with the Whitecaps and a 1.62 ERA in 33⅓ innings, averaging 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings, with the SeaWolves.

Other notable injuries

• Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, a switch-hitter, was scratched from the Spring Breakout game with a right hand contusion. He will begin the season in Double-A Erie after hitting .265 with nine home runs, 29 walks and 28 strikeouts across 96 games last season in the minor leagues.

WATCH OUT: The best Tigers prospect you haven't heard about: Flamethrower Troy Melton

• Right-handed reliever Freddy Pacheco is throwing out to 150 feet in his progression, returning from Tommy John surgery. The Tigers re-signed him to a minor-league contract in the offseason, and when healthy, he has a strong two-pitch mix, a 97 mph fastball and 84 mph slider.

Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on demand at freep.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.

• Right-handed reliever Garrett Hill, who has a right lat strain, is throwing out to 105 feet in his progression.

• Right-hander Albert Oliva is rehabbing daily from a right forearm strain.

• Shortstop Abel Bastidas, whom the Tigers signed for a $1.175 million bonus as part of the 2021 international signing period, is rehabbing from a right shoulder strain. He hit .215 with two home runs, 19 walks and 59 strikeouts across 59 games last season in Low-A Lakeland (57 games) and High-A West Michigan (two games).

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

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers prospects Kevin McGonigle, Tyler Mattison injury update