For the remainder of the season, Austin Meadows won’t play for the Tigers as he deals with his mental health. In 36 games this season, the 27-year-old has a.250/.347/.328 slash line and a.675 OPS. He was acquired by Detroit from the Rays just a few days before Opening Day.
The outfielder, who has been sidelined since June 15, disclosed on Friday afternoon that he is also coping with something internal in addition to vertigo, COVID, and tendinitis.
In a message on Twitter, Meadows said, “What I have told very few people is that I also have been battling with my mental health in a way that has extended my time away from the game that I love so much.”
The support Austin Meadows has received from people all over the baseball world has been encouraging after he publicly disclosed his mental health difficulties for the first time. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said, “I think the reaction has been incredible. He has made me quite proud.
On the social media platforms where he shared a message about his difficulties, Meadows has received a flurry of support. Messages from former Tampa Bay Rays teammate Shane McClanahan and Tigers teammates Spencer Torkelson are among them.