Dirks, who is batting .245 on the season, has hit in all but two games he's played in June. He's gone 10 for 42 (.238) during the month, however, with four RBI and six strikeouts. 

"He's going to get three days off, and that's a good thing," Leyland said. "I think his knees are a little sore. He will have today off, obviously tomorrow off -- we're all off -- and then the first pitcher in Minnesota's a left-hander, so that should freshen him up good. That works out good."

Dirks is riding a five-game hitting streak that has raised his batting average to .250 on the season. Dirks is likely to lose his spot at the top of the order in the coming days, with Austin Jackson set to return from an injury. 

"He's done OK, but he's not an ideal leadoff hitter by any means," Leyland said. "But he's done fine. ... Sometimes you ask guys to do things that, it's really not their strong point, but he's a fine player. He's doing a pretty darn decent job. And he will probably be glad when he gets out of the leadoff spot."

Dirks is batting .302 (19 for 63) with a .556 slugging percentage, one triple, two doubles, two stolen bases, four walks, 10 RBI and 11 runs in his last 16 games. His average has gone from .200 to .252 in that span.

But just because he's getting everyday at-bats doesn't mean he's an everyday player. We can all hope his recent surge will convince the Tigers to keep him in the lineup, especially with Austin Jackson sidelined, but the fact of the matter is Dirks still has sat out each of the Tigers' seven games against left-handed pitchers this year. They just haven't faced one in a while.

For what it's worth, he actually has a higher batting average and OPS against than lefties than righties in his career, but you can't ignore history. Until the Tigers' behavior changes, Dirks will remain an AL-only option.

Dirks had three hits Monday, including a home run. With Austin Jackson on the disabled list, it looks like Dirks will have a shot to prove himself at the top of the team's lineup. He's hitting .260/.345/.427 in 96 at-bats. He'll face Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell Tuesday.