Keith got a third straight start today after being on the bench four of the previous five games. His homer was hit 109.6 mph, which is a new regular-season high for him. He topped that at least a couple of times this spring, when it looked like he’d take a step forward as a sophomore, but he’s instead been very passive at the plate, and he came into the day with just two doubles and three RBI in 85 plate appearances. Maybe things will start to change now. At least he no longer looks like a candidate to be sent to Triple-A to make room for Manuel Margot’s return this weekend.

Keith played a role in the Tigers’ four-run rally in the sixth inning, reaching on an infield single to load the bases with nobody out. He then scored the tying run on Dillon Dingler’s RBI single. The 23-year-old infielder also drove in a valuable insurance run with a two-out RBI single off of Justin Topa in the seventh inning. With the two-hit attack, he’s now hitting .200/.385/.250 with zero home runs, two RBI and no stolen bases.

Keith’s performance at the plate made up for him committing two errors on the same play in the fifth, leading to two runs. Of course, there were bound to be some growing pains as he learns how to play first base. He’s hitting .359/.390/.462 in 41 plate appearances.

All three of Keith’s at-bats produced balls in play in excess of 100 mph. His .306/.342/.389 line this spring isn’t anything special, but his improved exit velocity numbers have been encouraging.