Tigers Star Prospect Hao-Yu Lee to Make MLB Debut Against Red Sox

The 23-year-old infielder will get his first taste of the big leagues as the Tigers face the Red Sox.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant shades of orange, navy, and red, depicting a baseball game or action in an abstract, cubist style.Hao-Yu Lee's MLB debut against the Red Sox showcases the Tigers' bright future through a cubist lens.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Tigers have called up one of their top prospects, 23-year-old infielder Hao-Yu Lee, to make his MLB debut against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night. Lee, the Tigers' No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was added to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft and has been working his way through the minors since signing with the Phillies as an international free agent in 2021.

Why it matters

Lee's promotion to the Majors is an exciting milestone for the Tigers' farm system, as he represents one of the organization's top young talents. His debut will give fans a glimpse of the future as the Tigers continue to build toward contention.

The details

Lee will make his MLB debut playing third base and batting eighth in the Tigers' lineup against Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez. The Tigers are going with a predominantly right-handed lineup to counter the southpaw. Lee has played 385 minor league games over the past few seasons, slashing .271/.358/.433 with 43 home runs and 214 RBIs.

  • Lee was added to the Tigers' 40-man roster in November 2025 to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.
  • Lee has been playing at Triple-A Toledo, where he was on the 7-day injured list earlier this season but has slashed .194/.231/.278 with a home run and seven RBIs in nine games.
  • Last season at Toledo, Lee played 126 games and slashed .243/.342/.406 with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs.

The players

Hao-Yu Lee

A 23-year-old infielder and the Detroit Tigers' No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline, who is making his MLB debut against the Boston Red Sox.

Zach McKinstry

The Tigers infielder who was placed on the 10-day injured list with left hip/abdominal inflammation, creating an opportunity for Lee's promotion.

Kevin McGonigle

Another top Tigers prospect, ranked No. 6 by MLB Pipeline, who will start at shortstop and bat second in the lineup.

Casey Mize

The Tigers' right-handed starting pitcher who will take the mound against the Red Sox.

Ranger Suarez

The Boston Red Sox left-handed starting pitcher that Hao-Yu Lee will face in his MLB debut.

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What they’re saying

“從台灣到MLB 歡迎來到大聯盟，灝宇！”

— Detroit Tigers

What’s next

Lee's performance in his MLB debut will be closely watched as the Tigers continue to develop their top prospects and build toward future contention.

The takeaway

Hao-Yu Lee's promotion to the Majors is an exciting moment for the Tigers' farm system, as the 23-year-old infielder gets his first taste of big-league action against the Red Sox. His debut will give fans a glimpse of the future as the organization works to build a contending team.