JCThe Detroit Tigers faced the Boston Red Sox in a spring training matchup Tuesday, but the game took an early turn when Spencer Torkelson was forced to leave after taking a hit by pitch.
According to Detroit sports writer Chris McCoskey, the 26-year-old first baseman was struck on the right forearm by a fastball from Burch Smith. Torkelson exited the game alongside a trainer to receive treatment.
“Spencer Torkelson was hit on his right forearm by a fastball from Burch Smith. He left the sim game with a trainer for treatment,” McCoskey reported.
The severity of the injury remains unclear, and the Tigers are expected to provide an update following the conclusion of Tuesday’s spring training game. Jace Jung moved to first base after Torkelson’s exit to finish the contest.
Torkelson is entering his fifth MLB season and has been Detroit’s primary first baseman since 2022. Once regarded as one of the organization’s top prospects, he continues to work toward reaching his full potential at the major league level. Last season, he posted career bests with a .240 batting average and a .333 on-base percentage while collecting 135 hits, 31 home runs — tying his career high — and 78 RBIs.
Detroit will hope the forearm injury proves minor. Durability has generally not been an issue for Torkelson, who has played at least 100 games in every season except 2024, when he was sent down to Triple-A Toledo during a prolonged slump. Injuries have rarely been a concern throughout his career.
