KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Detroit Tigers received good news about second baseman Colt Keith on Wednesday.

Keith, who suffered a right shoulder injury while diving for a ball on defense in the fifth inning of Tuesday's 3-1 win, wasn't in the starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

The good news: Keith isn't expected to be placed on the injured list. Even better, the Tigers hope Keith will return to the starting lineup for Friday's series opener on the road against the Baltimore Orioles, following the off day Thursday.

"It could've been much worse," manager AJ. Hinch said before Wednesday's game. "He'll hit during the game, and we'll see if he's available tonight. We're just going to make decisions day-to-day on what we can do with him. Hopefully, the news that we got means that we've avoided anything more major."

THE INJURY: Colt Keith injury: Tigers 2B exits win vs. Royals after hurting right shoulder

Before Wednesday's game, Keith made throws to infield coordinator Billy Boyer, with head athletic trainer Ryne Eubanks watching. He is swinging without any restrictions, which is a positive sign for his availability as a designated hitter, but his right shoulder isn't fully healthy yet.

The 23-year-old previously injured his right shoulder while diving on a pickoff attempt at first base in June 2022 and diving for a ball on defense in June 2023.

"Feeling better than I thought it was going to feel," Keith said after throwing Wednesday. "A little stiff, a little sore. Just taking it slow. I feel confident that I can be back in the next couple of days."

Keith also said medical tests came back "pretty clean."

"Continue to do work," Keith said, explaining the plan for the next couple of days. "Keep it moving. Just trying to go through a throw progression and see where it takes us."

AWARD: Tigers' Colt Keith wins American League Rookie of the Month for July

Without Keith, the Tigers started Zach McKinstry at second base and Jace Jung at third base for Wednesday's finale against the Royals. Although Jung played second base throughout his career in college and the minor leagues, he isn't expected to start at second base in Keith's absence from the infield.

Therefore, McKinstry and Andy Ibáñez will play second base until Keith returns to his position in the infield.

"He's been a huge part of this," Hinch said. "We'll be able to hopefully match up tonight with him if he's able to do it. If he needs today off and tomorrow off, and we get him Friday, then all the better. He's been an integral part of the stability of this entire team."

Keith is hitting .264 with 13 home runs, 35 walks and 104 strikeouts across 139 games in 2024, his rookie campaign. He has a .289 average (with all 13 homers) over 113 games since May 1, highlighted by hitting .315 in 14 games in September.

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

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers Colt Keith expected to play Friday in Baltimore