Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows won’t return from the injured list this season, as manager A.J. Hinch told reporters (including MLB.com’s Jason Beck) this afternoon. Meadows initially was placed on the injured list back in April due to anxiety, and has been away from the team since June.
It’s been a long road for Meadows since the Pirates selected him with the ninth overall in the 2013 draft. He made his MLB debut in 2018 with Pittsburgh but was traded to the Rays as part of the Chris Archer deal after just 165 plate appearances in the majors with the club that drafted him. Once in Tampa, he quickly rose to prominence as an All Star in 2019, even garnering down-ballot MVP votes thanks to a sensational .291/.364/.558 slash line across 138 games that season.
Meadows struggled badly during the shortened 2020 season, slashing just .205/.296/.371 while being limited to 36 games by an oblique strain. He bounced back somewhat in 2021, posting a 112 wRC+ as the Rays’ everyday left fielder. That said, he was rated brutally by defensive metrics that season, and combined with the reduced offense relative to his peak in 2019 he was worth just 1.6 fWAR that season. With Meadows due to be eligible for arbitration for the first time in 2022, the Rays shipped him to Detroit in exchange for struggling infielder Isaac Parades before the season began.
While Parades has taken off with the Rays, Meadows has made it into just 42 games with Detroit since the trade. He was limited to just 36 games of league average offense (100 wRC+) with the Tigers last year due to vertigo. Meadows then managed just six games this year before heading to the injured list. Overall, the 28-year-old outfielder has slashed just .248/.333/.322 in 168 trips to the plate since first suiting up for the Tigers. With Meadows likely due for a raise on his $4.3MM salary in his final trip through arbitration this offseason and the Tigers flush with young outfield talent like Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, and Meadows’ younger brother Parker Meadows, it’s fair to wonder if Detroit will consider non-tendering the elder Meadows brother this offseason, allowing him to hit free agency rather than retaining him for the 2024 campaign.
That being said, Hinch’s comments indicated nothing but support for Meadows as he works through his struggles. As relayed by MLB.com, Hinch said that “We have to continue to be supportive of him and others that are going through experiences that none of us really know unless you’ve done it… And so, rather than judge him, we need to support him, and we’ve continued to do that as an organization. We will continue to do it.”
Best of the luck to the guy but I can’t see how they would tender him a contract.
I know it’s the Dodgers but they have Andrew Toles who was previously living on the street, on their inactive roster so he has the team doctor and their health insurance
Toles’s demons, unfortunately, are on a whole other level then what Meadows is dealing with.
Dark side: What is Meadows dealing with? I don’t think anyone but the Tigers and his family knows that.
Again, read up on Toles’s story. It’s highly unlikely Meadows’s situation comes anywhere near that.
Yes, Tole’s story is tragic and unfortunate while he’s been diagnosed as bipolar and schizophrenic. (The Dodgers are still providing him with medical benefits to this day – class act.) We don’t know anything about Meadow’s mental health issues beside “anxiety”. The Tigers nor anyone else need to disclose anymore that that. Let’s not pretend that we know enough about Meadows’ and his family’s situation to make comparisons bc it hasn’t gone public.
While it was probably the right move on his part, he was not on hand, in the stands, with the rest of the family when brother Parker made his debut.
Get well soon.
His health is more important at this point and it appears very Doubtful he’ll ever return to playing at the MLB level
Quite the stretch.
JayHeck. Maybe the most famous case of “anxiety” was Jimmy Piersall. He came back. He once said he knew he was nuts when he woke up and saw he had nine kids.
I’m surprised the comments are open. Usually Meadows articles are closed.
I hate this situation. There is no correct answer.
Maybe they are open to get some reports on offensive comments so the mods can filter out a few more jacka’s.
There certainly are candidates below.
I absolutely do not understand how this guy would be “due for a raise from $4.3 M”.
It’s almost automatical that players get a raise each successive arbitration unless they completely miss the season.
Arbitration is always a raise. Even if you have a historically bad season, but you have another year of arbitration left, you’re pretty much guaranteed a raise. That is unless the Tigers release/non-tender Meadows, which is a possibility.
They could come to an agreement without arbitration. He could accept a cut of up to 20%, but he would still have health benefits. Maybe add in a games played escalator.
Because Arb salaries never go backwards…it might be a very slight increase though, $4,300,299 or something.
Is this a Jim Eisenreich situation?
I don’t get it personally. Do you think any of our mental health is okay when we’re working our tails off just to barely make ends meet? Come home to no one and just start the same thing over. I get he has issues but it sure is a lot easier to forgoe work to get help when millions of us have no choice but to keep working and losing sleep to make ends meet. At this point, he’s basically done nothing for the team other than one poor season, would be tough to keep supporting him.
holecamels: When I was a teen-ager my dream was to be a major league bb player. I could live anywhere I wanted in a nice 10,000 sq foot house, buy anything I wanted, travel around the world, etc. But that’s not reality. Some people think that playing a game for a living and being paid millions for seven months of work would take away all of their problems. It doesn’t. Things come at you, from your past, from the present, who knows. Bottom line is, Meadows isn’t lounging around by his pool drinking cocktails and having scantically clad women fan him with giant palm leaves. I don’t know this for certain, but I’m pretty sure he isn’t. Just take a minute, then open your mind to the possibility that he really really really is suffering from anxiety. Oh, and, if you need it, there is now a hotline for people who have mental problems.
avenger65, very well said.
Bad week to be a Longhorn. Looks like both Austin and Texas will miss the post-season.
Ask ‘bama !
Uh, Manny? Wrong thread.
We have a hulk
Austin Meadows is the Austin
Texas Rangers are the Texas
Both likely to miss post-season
And Longhorns actually beat the Tide. That’s what Bama gets for naming their team after laundry detergent!
Colavito: There is something between coping with life and having PTSD. You don’t know what he’s dealing with. Some people can handle things better than others. Just because you’re a big, tough vet who might have been working in a field office filing papers and making phone calls all day doesn’t necessarily mean you can understand what Meadows is going through. Some people throw up when they see their buddy get blown to bits. Others go nuts when they see a spider.
I agree, however if he manages to sign somewhere this offseason and manages to get back on the field next season, a 50 game suspension should be levied against him, at a minimum, because it would be apparent he just didn’t want to play for a non-contending club such as the Tigers. Maybe I’m just too suspicious, but the timing of this all is rather odd.
No
Let’s hope neither of you have to go through any kind of mental issues. It’s disgusting how ppl gang up on the less fortunate. It shouldn’t matter how much one’s yearly salary is.
SuperSloth: The guy worked his whole life,this family made sacrifices, just to get to the majors. He has a job where he makes millions. You, say, started working to get the job you want when you entered college. You have a good job. Maybe even make 6+ figures a year. Then, for unknown reasons, you get anxiety. You need medical attention. No problem. You have company insurance, maybe even your own insurance, to cover the bills. If you need more, you’ve a million or so in the bank to fall back on. But your co-workers, the people working under you, resent you because they don’t have enough insurance. They don’t have all that money to use in an emergency. They hate you, but it’s not your fault they don’t make as much money as you. But you change jobs. You begin to recover. Your old boss offers you your job back. You go back but you’re hated even more. Your tires are slashed, windshield smashed, catalytic converter stolen. What gives? You just went to a job where you made a lot more money, now you’re back and make even more. And here we are, living check-to-check. You should be punished for having the ability to get a job that pays you ten times what I make. It’s decided. Your punishment will be to set you adrift on an ice flow until you either make landfall or your ice flow melts due to global warming. Meadows earned what he gets paid. It’s the going rate in his job. You really should accept the fact that you probably will never make what he does, but you might someday go through what he’s going through right now. No need for vengeance.
Avenger, no where in what I wrote did I indicting was envious of his earning capability. He should make whatever the market will bear. I agreed with what you said earlier. I suffer from anxiety on a daily basis. Not to his extent, but I have a taste of what he’s going through. However, if the above situation I discussed in my post played out, it would be incredibly naive to believe it was all coincidental. Time will tell though. I don’t see the Tigers tendering him this offseason, as the roster spot is better used on a player who will be able to take the field. For those of you who think that’s cold, Baseball is a business, as well as a numbers game. I hope he’s able to get the help he needs and lives a happy life.
I was devastated when the Pirates traded him, Glasnow, and Baz for Archer…still mad.
But seeing how few innings and games they’ve gotten out of these three I sleep a little better and the fact that it accelerated Huntington getting fired.
Finally found the outdated commentor who thinks everyone should just toughen up. Having money and playing a kids’ game doesn’t erase mental health issues.
Clueless you have no idea about mental health issues so keep your narrow minded opinion to yourself..as someone who has anxiety can’t stand rain dead pos like you plz educate yourself before speaking
Clown
Anxiety is a SOB. However, with so many countless treatments offered today like prescription meds, hot & cold therapy, psychedelics, etc., it’s hard to believe AM has made his best effort to come back and play alongside his brother. Also, very odd when Parker got brought up there was NO talk about Austin. Wish him the best but doubt he will play another game in a tigers uniform. While I’m typing this, E-Sock just hit another home run.
He actually shows up at Conerica and is seen around the clubhouse often. A friend who works for Tigers had told me and also said form what he has seen Meadows seems like a nice guy and liked by teammates. His view of Turnbull was far less positive.
I was kind of surprised hearing it. The whole Meadows situation I have found to be quite strange. I was also assuming he just did not like the organization.
Most importantly though, thank you for your service!
He honestly may never return unless he can get his mental health back in order. I wish the best for him.
For those who are chastising Austin…you have no clue as to what is going on with his anxiety and depression. Zero. You have the gall to speculate what is going on behind the scenes. As a person who’s been diagnosed with both, there are days when I’m literally paralyzed by the combination. Somedays, I just get by. I’m medicated and have been for many decades. I’ve been on nearly every medication out there, some will cut the symptoms but ever so slightly. I had to go on social security disability due to the severe depression 20 years ago at age 41 and never have been able to work again. So to the ones who are criticizing Mr. Meadows, you should be deeply ashamed of yourselves!
@miggywrld have you ever given any thought as to why Parker hasn’t talked about Austin? It’s not odd at all. I have a younger sister and I’m sure she’s not discussed my conditions out of respect for me and my privacy. Parker was doing the same thing regarding Austin. Yes, I’m thoroughly convinced that he did try his best the last couple of years.
For those who want to attack me for my criticism, might I suggest doing some lengthy research into the conditions? I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. There is far more to depression and anxiety than just sadness and fear. Your research would inform you that there is great amounts of physical pain involved and other factors.
I wish Austin the best and hope he decides to retire from baseball so he can fully focus on his mental and physical condition.
Jerk.
At least I have someone who loves me. Are you jealous?
Disgusting commentary by King of Cards. Shows a massive lack of empathy and compassion. Mental health issues are absolutely no joke. And we are all wired differently. Some can handle depression, anxiety, trauma and so on reasonably well, and for others these issues are completely debilitating and can negatively impact one’s entire life. Luckily these kinds of issues are finally be taken more seriously by the masses, which is a good sign. Keep fighting the good fight, tigerfan4ever! Some will never understand this stuff or show any compassion for it, but there are plenty out there who do and will.
You are 100% spot on. This King of Cards filth doesn’t understand and because he doesn’t, he has to berate others, who are going through hard times. I went on SSD at age 41 but have suffered with the conditions since I was in elementary school. I’ve not completely given up on life but it’s a horrible struggle at times. Because of my situation, I can understand Austin’s situation fully, even though I don’t know the details and because of his right to privacy, I don’t care to know them. I truly hope he can overcome his afflictions and go back to a sport he made a career. He’s got alot of barriers to overcome, including the chronic pain that depression and anxiety can cause. The pain isn’t in his mind but has been caused by his mind. The added danger is that meds, especially opioids, can make his condition worse. It’s literally a catch 22.
I’ve shared my personal experiences not for people here to feel sorry for me, but to explain what Austin is going through and maybe educate someone as to the devastation failing mental health can cause. As I explained earlier, Parker’s silence on the matter doesn’t mean he doesn’t care, it’s just the opposite. He respects his privacy and out of family loyalty he stays and will stay silent. I know my sister doesn’t make my situation public knowledge. Even the Tigers are fully supportive of Austin. A few months ago, AJ Hinch was quoted as saying he’s rooting like hell for Austin and his recovery and I’m sure that even if Meadows recovers enough to play for another team, he still will root for him.
As for King of Cards….I think if he ever was afflicted with something like this or any other chronic disease, I’d have compassion for him. As I said before, I wouldn’t wish this (or any other illness) on my worst enemy. He’s not my worst enemy and I don’t hate him. He’s just a nothing ignorant jerk in my opinion who doesn’t mean a thing to me.
Thanks for your support!
@KOC I’d like to congratulate you for being the most gaping a-hole on this thread. Nice going d-bag.
You said you weren’t going to comment further, and then you commented further! Just keep digging pal, China can’t be much farther (or Hell)!
I know zippo about mental health issues, but I believe the sincerity of people like tigerfan4ever who are willing to put their stories out there. Just have some compassion.
I’m just as guilty, but I own my mistake of commenting further when I said I wouldn’t. However, I forgive him for his ignorance and his bad judgment in continuing berating me. If only he’d open his mind and do the research on the conditions, but that would be too much work for him, sorry to say. Also, sorry to say, but by sharing my story, I put myself out there as a target to people like him. By the way, he probably believes my calling him ignorant is the same as calling him stupid. No, it’s not. Ignorance is the refusal to learn…but stupidity is a whole different animal. I don’t know him to know if he’s stupid but to make comments like he did without gaining the knowledge is ignorant.
King of Cards…you’re being a dick dude. No one begrudges you your opinion but personal attacks on your fellow posters on touchy issues is taking it too far. Those are not opinions. It’s a baseball blog. Let’s talk baseball.
@TF4 Some fans won’t even do the minimal research to try to understand analytics here so they crap on it here. Asking @KOC to educate himself on something as complex as mental health is a lost cause on him.
Anxiety is a b*tch, hopefully he gets the help he needs to get better and enjoy his life to the fullest possible joy!
Thank you for your service.
@TF4ever I appreciate u sharing to educate people from ur experience. I’ve had my own struggles with anxiety,depression and ADHD, though not to the extreme and disabling extent you have, at least to this point in my life. I’m also a qmhp social worker and have worked with numerous people on disability for similar reasons to yours and other severe mh challenges so I’ve seen for myself just how hard day to day life can be for people with these conditions. Ignorant people like KOC not only have no idea just how severe the impact can get, they clearly don’t know how hard it is to get social security benefits for these kinds of disabilities. If it was as easy as “manning up” and wanting to function better few if any people would be disabled by mental illness.
Keep ur head up and fight the good fight fam. Thanks for speaking on this. Hope ur message gets through to some folks here.
It was very difficult to get on SSD. As with most people I was denied. I had to hire an attorney to appeal my case. He had me meet with a psychiatrist. It was on his recommendation that a month later I was notified that I’d won my case. Three months later I was granted a backdated settlement to when I first filed and also was granted immediate Medicare. With the settlement, I moved to a different state and once there made an appointment with a doctor as I was entitled to a physical at no charge to me. Because of that physical, I discovered I was diabetic with an a1c of 13.0 (for those who aren’t familiar, that’s nearly twice the level of a “normal” person’s reading. An a1c is a test that is taken every so often to see what your longer term glucose levels are). It literally saved my life.
Now, KOC obviously thinks that the paralysis of depression and anxiety is just being overdramatic. That couldn’t be further from the truth. This I’m sure is what is contributing to Austin’s inability to play ball or do anything productive on certain days. The physical pain is likely an issue too. The scary thing is that these conditions could be hereditary, so Parker might be a prime candidate down the road. There is no way to know.
There are certain people who refuse to listen to reason, so I think to some, my message is falling on deaf ears. They have their minds made up and nobody’s personal experience is going to make a difference….but if I’ve informed and/or changed just one of these person’s opinion, I’ll be satisfied.
Thanks for the kind words. I wouldn’t expect any less from a social worker. Compassion is part of your lifestyle. Yes, I know this, because I’ve been doing talk therapy with professionals for half a century now.
Maybe take it easy on KOC. Perhaps like me he has little personal knowledge of mental health issues. For that, I am thankful as hell. But it isn’t a big step from where I am to KOC’s belief that it is all made up and under your control. Feel sorry for KOC that he lacks compassion. That is his demon. I hope both you and he get to stable places.
I’ve been very easy on KOC and even forgiving him for his lack of compassion. As far as the stable place is concerned, I am not sure what you’re referring to. I hold no grudge against him, I just feel pity towards him.
As for your own lack of personal knowledge, yes, definitely feel lucky as hell that you seemingly don’t suffer from a diagnosis of mental illness. Please, though, don’t take that step you mentioned. I’m not saying that for me or anyone else, but in reality the only one you’d be hurting is yourself. I’m not affected either way by those like him as they will be soon forgotten.
I’m wondering if Tampa knew of his ailment before the trade….
Or the Pirates even before
These are human beings playing baseball. They are subject to same issues the rest of society deals with. I’m sure if Austin was able to play now he would run through a brick wall to start a major league game with his brother sharing the OF grass with him. Hopefully one day that will happen.
Too nervous to play baseball. Tigers treated him with kid gloves because his brother is actually good.
Maybe he does not want to compete with his younger brother for fear of losing out
There’s a lot of talk on here about mental health… I understand many people have become unwitting lab rats of social media in this modern world, with so many people foolishly comparing themselves with others or falling for the fomo others intentionally create out of their own insecurities. I am of the belief that if you put a title on something, you let yourself believe it’s real. It is not. Mental illness is not something that can be diagnosed with a title. The title is a crutch. It lets someone be a victim rather than deal with reality. People have lost track of what’s real and let modern society take their light from them, in fact, no one took it, they willingly gave their light away. But, you can take it back. We must recognize the fakeness of this world. Take anyone off any pedestal you have them on. Worship no human. I don’t understand people who wear jerseys with another man’s name on the back. It’s just another human who happens to be good at some sport, and sports are all entirely meaningless entertainment. If you believe you suffer from mental illness and have put a title on whatever it is, be it depression or anxiety or whatever else, and heaven forbid you’re taking quack prescription meds to bandage the issue, I challenge you to change your mindset. You’re going to have to get to the core of whatever it is that makes you feel the way you feel and figure out how to overcome it. If not, you’ll live and die a miserable failure, privately of course, but just the same, it’s not a good human existence. Humans can overcome all psychological afflictions, to the point you won’t even remember how you felt. Accept. That’s the key to it all. Stop caring. Become indifferent. We control nothing. The universe is my master and I willingly and happily submit.
His anxiety issues seemed to start after he was traded to the Tigers if I’m correct. Maybe he just doesn’t like playing in Detroit. He was regularly in Tampa’s lineup prior to the trade. Unless there is a Tampa Bay fan in here that can say differently.
And what’s up with Javy Baez production since he got big $$$ from Detroit?
Meadows and Baez are supposed to be All-Star caliber hitters.
I think both sides are crossing the line here. There is nothing wrong with seeking treatment for health issues. There is also nothing wrong with fans being frustrated by how this played out for the team. Both of those things can be true it the same time.
So sad and difficult to wrap your mind around