Tigers 2B Gleyber Torres Played Through Hernia Injury

Explains late-season decline and decision to accept qualifying offer from Detroit

Feb. 21, 2026 at 9:07pm

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Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres revealed he played through a significant hernia injury during the second half of the 2025 season, which impacted his performance and led to his late-year decline. Despite the pain, Torres continued to play, telling manager A.J. Hinch he wanted to keep competing. After undergoing surgery, Torres said he couldn't walk on his own for weeks and had to rely on his family's help during his recovery. Torres ultimately accepted Detroit's one-year, $22 million qualifying offer rather than pursue a multi-year deal in free agency, citing the opportunity to prove himself and help the team.

Why it matters

Torres' revelation about the extent of his injury provides important context around his late-season struggles and his surprising decision to accept Detroit's qualifying offer rather than test the open market. This story highlights the physical toll professional athletes often endure to keep playing, and the difficult choices they face when balancing their own health with the desire to contribute to their team.

The details

Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres said the hernia he played through in the second half of the 2025 season significantly impacted his performance. At the All-Star break, Torres had an .812 OPS with 51 walks and 46 strikeouts across 359 plate appearances, earning his first All-Star nod since 2019. However, in the second half, his OPS dropped to .659 over 269 plate appearances as the injury worsened. Torres told manager A.J. Hinch before a late-season game that he wanted to continue playing, and trainers managed the injury daily. Following surgery, Torres said he could not walk on his own for weeks and had to rely on his wife and family to help him.

  • At the 2025 MLB All-Star break, Torres had an .812 OPS.
  • In the second half of the 2025 season, Torres' OPS dropped to .659.
  • Torres told manager A.J. Hinch before a late-season game in 2025 that he wanted to continue playing through the injury.
  • Torres underwent surgery in late 2025 and said he could not walk on his own for weeks after the procedure.

The players

Gleyber Torres

A second baseman for the Detroit Tigers who played through a significant hernia injury during the 2025 season.

A.J. Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers who supported Torres' decision to continue playing through his injury.

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What they’re saying

“A lot. I couldn't reach some pitches, couldn't make really good swings. I'm trying. I'm a professional. When you play this sport, you have to play with pain.”

— Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers Second Baseman (MLive)

“I applaud him for trying to play through the injury. It's more painful than he wants you to know or what he wanted his teammates to know, but he shared a lot of that with me.”

— A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers Manager (N/A)

What’s next

The Tigers will monitor Torres' recovery and progress during spring training as he prepares for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Torres' willingness to play through significant pain and injury highlights the dedication and sacrifice professional athletes make to contribute to their teams. His decision to accept Detroit's qualifying offer demonstrates his commitment to the organization and desire to prove himself, despite the physical toll the 2025 season took on his body.