We have some guys that can do a lot of different things, Hinch said. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press has recently released his Detroit Tigers Opening Day Roster Projection 1.0, which includes a couple of surprises that have caught the attention of Tigers fans and baseball enthusiasts alike. The bad news: Star prospect Riley Greene suffered a foot injury that will keep him out for around two months. Evan Petzold. It seems crazy that theres a question about Reyes spot on the Opening Day roster. MORE ON SHREVE: Chasen Shreve could fill vital role in Tigers' bullpen, which feels like home to him, MORE ON WINGENTER: Tigers' Trey Wingenter throws two nasty pitches. He came to the ballpark Friday and was waiting for the gates to open at 10: . Haase has always crushed lefties, but he also rakes when he hits in the cleanup spot. Troy. But keep in mind, the 30-year-old wasn't that bad in 2022. Mazara has a strong arm and good power at the dish. 9 hitter, especially for a catcher. We dont even know whether teams will be allowed an extra player or two in April to account for the abrupt end to the 99-day lockout and the subsequent shortened spring training. Schoop got off to a miserable start last season but still found a way to finish with solid numbers. If he hasn't figured out by the end of May, he'll likely be DFA'd. Then Skubal dominated Grapefruit League hitters for most of camp and Mize made the adjustments Detroit wanted to see from him to compete more with hitters. Dive deeper into the news and sports stories that matter most with our exclusive podcasts, featuring analysis and reporting from our team of experts. Beginning June 16, Bez ranked eighth among qualified shortstops with a 112 wRC+ and ninth with a .750 OPS in his final 94 games, hitting .264 with 14 home runs. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. The Tigers announced Turnbull was played on the injured list Wednesday, and that means hell likely begin the regular season there, as well. It was a small sample size, but 15 strikeouts in 36 spring plate appearances hasnt alleviated any concerns. Comprehensive coverage of Michigan's auto industry, including in-depth analysis of Ford, GM, and Stellantis latest developments and innovations. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Right-hander Matt Manning, whom the Tigers have been waiting on to develop further, has struggled in spring training. He had looked confident and strong at the plate with two doubles, a triple and a home run in Spring Training play, but he was never going to beat out Harold Castro. Hinchs first Tigers roster will be known as an intersection of top prospects in Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and Willi Castro with rebounding veterans like Julio Teheran and Derek Holland. If he can bounce back from an ugly 2020 in Chicago, hell be a bargain for this year. 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays Watch Now The majority of his at-bats with the Rays this spring came in the cleanup spot, and thats where he hit most often last season, as well. While the position roster was boosted with upgrades via free agency (Javier Bez), trades (Austin Meadows, Tucker Barnhart) and the farm system (Spencer Torkelson), injuries have hampered the depth in the bullpen over the last couple weeks. As good as Grossman was in 2021, Candelario should get those extra plate appearances, and the Tigers can enjoy the luxury of having a guy who hit 23 home runs and stole 20 bases in the No. Anderson had the ability to opt out in his Minor League contract, but he will accept an assignment to Toledo. And now with him and Niko moving all around the field, the versatility of this roster is really, really good.. Another bonus: Ibez, unlike Kreidler, can play first base when Torkelson gets an off day. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. If Peralta doesnt get here in time -- or the Tigers opt to stretch him out in Toledo -- the Tigers would likely seek another pitcher who could give them multiple innings. He also mashes fastball, and McClanahan's got a good one. Why did we wait so long wait on this one? MORE ON MATON: Why Nick Maton who crushes righties and 'can hit any fastball' fits with Tigers. Relief pitchers (10): Gregory Soto, Michael Fulmer, Alex Lange, Joe Jimnez, Jason Foley, Rony Garca, Drew Hutchison, Will Vest, Jacob Barnes, Elvin RodriguezPutting together a 10-man bullpen was always going to be difficult. Hinch predicted last week that the backup-catcher competition could be the last to be decided. When hes healthy, Turnbull will be up near the top of the rotation with Boyd. Can World Baseball Classic help 'comfortable' Javier Bez energize Tigers in 2023? He was signed this offseason to bridge the gap between Austin Romine and whoever emerges as the Tigers catcher of the future. Hinch can afford to put in there. Let's not mess up a good thing. Hinch has penciled Baez into the No. But he has been the Tigers' best hitter over the past two seasons, so he needs to be in the lineup. There are still a few spots up for grabs, but they appear to all be in the bullpen. He's still trying to find his swing after all the time he missed last season. Boyd was one of the top risers for most of 2019, but his increased strikeout rate has unfortunately come with a home run rate no number of whiffs can help him overcome. Baez hit much better against lefties than righties last season, so this should be a good matchup for him. LAKELAND, Fla. -- There are only 16 days left in spring training and were finally unveiling our first Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster projection. Cabrera has dealt with an array of injuries and isnt a plus defensively, so doing so only behooves the Tigers in that it gives someone else a day off. The Rule 5 draft pick was expected to compete for a job and lose this preseason, but instead has slashed .344/.475/.781 -- yes, a 1.256 OPS -- with two doubles, four home runs, three stolen bases, eight walks and 11 strikeouts. Michael Fulmer, Holland, Daniel Norris and Tyler Alexander could have comprised the bulk of a rotation not long ago. Julian Clinton, 19, of Detroit said he's a big Tigers and baseball fan. Detroit Tigers Opening day Roster Projection Here is what Petzold currently believes Detroit's Opening Day Roster will look like. A lot has changed since we posted our first lineup prediction two weeks ago. Projected matchup: UCF vs. MORE ON VIERLING: How Tigers' Matt Vierling became a 'yes man' in the best way possible, MORE ON GREENE: Tigers won't guarantee Riley Greene as full-time leadoff hitter, center fielder. They're left-handed hitting outfielders with completely different profiles, though both are below-average defenders. Soto, Fulmer, Chafin, Cisnero and Alexander have guaranteed jobs if healthy. But most likely, this is the group. While Meadows arrival likely moves Candelario down the batting order, the switch-hitter and reigning American League doubles leader remains a vital run producer heading into the season. Versatility and reliability are a great combination. He needs to bounce back if the Tigers want to play competitive baseball throughout the summer months. Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. This spring, hes allowed 10 runs on 11 hits and five walks in just nine innings while striking out six. While he could bat a tick lower in the batting order with the arrival of Bez, his everyday role is secure. Shortstop: Willi CastroCastro at shortstop might be the one constant in Detroit's infield as the team tries to let him get settled into the position and find out if he can stay there long-term defensively. Hes easy to like and easy to appreciate when it comes to being an answer to a lot of different things, Hinch said. He was seeing improved power and plate discipline heading into 2020, and then turned into a strikeout machine. Shortstop (1): Javier BezEl Mago has the potential to be a game-changer for Detroit, not just with his defense at short, but also his aggressiveness and instincts on the bases. Getting to know Javier Bez, from his Lamborghini to his incredible farm in Puerto Rico, Why Nick Maton who crushes righties and 'can hit any fastball' fits with Tigers, How Tigers' Matt Vierling became a 'yes man' in the best way possible, Tigers won't guarantee Riley Greene as full-time leadoff hitter, center fielder, working hard as a leader in the clubhouse, Venezuela manager Omar Lpez reveals how Miguel Cabrera can transition from player to coach, For first time, Tigers' Csar Hernndez enters spring training without assurances, Tigers' Andy Ibez puts roster battle on pause to play for Team Cuba, How Tigers' new-school regime is resuscitating Matt Manning's potential, Why Joey Wentz's curveball could be a 'weapon' and launch his rise with Tigers, Chasen Shreve could fill vital role in Tigers' bullpen, which feels like home to him, Tigers' Trey Wingenter throws two nasty pitches. He needs to improve against breaking and offspeed pitches. The 2021 Detroit Tigers team roster seen on this page includes every player who appeared in a game during the 2021 season. Home > MLB Predicting Every MLB Team's 2023 Opening Day Lineup Joel Reuter August 18, 2022 Aaron Judge (Sarah Stier/Getty Images) For nearly half the league, the 2022 MLB season is essentially. Then, two more relievers will exit when rosters return to 26 players on May 2. I have a feeling Miggy will probably hit higher than this, but I don't think he should. Utility (1): Harold CastroThe Meadows trade and the Tigers need for relievers likely cost Willi Castro a roster spot. 4 prospect by MLB Pipeline, earned a roster spot and starting job on the strength of a very good Spring Training that included a mature, disciplined plate approach. Outfielder Riley Greene and. So, heres a look at Detroit's 26-man roster: Catchers: Wilson Ramos, Grayson GreinerThe backup-catcher competition was supposed to go down to the final days, but it wound up being one of the first decisions. Hinch has been consistent about preferring three catchers all spring. All rights reserved.) And the fact that I can really go to any guy, probably Tyler Alexander, and ambush them with a different responsibility on a day-to-day basis is a great luxury.. Baddoo has struck out 10 times and drawn only one walk in 31 plate appearances. A candidate for the leadoff spot, Grossman has shown exactly why the Tigers signed him this offseason, drawing six walks and posting a .357 on-base percentage in the spring. He hasn't homered this spring, but he's hitting .346 with six doubles, four walks and seven strikeouts in 31 plate appearances. When Haase isn't catching, the Tigers will utilize his strengths as a right-handed hitter in pinch-hit opportunities off the bench against left-handed relief pitchers. After a few weeks of camp, Nick Maton looks like more like a starting shortstop than a starting third baseman. Start your day off right with our exclusive newsletters, including The Daily Briefing, delivering the latest news and insights straight to your inbox every morning. The Tigers thought they knew exactly what they were getting when they traded for . First base (2): Spencer Torkelson, Miguel CabreraTorkelson, ranked as baseball's No. When the Tigers traded for Candelario, he was a top 100 prospect with excellent on-base skills and decent power -- thats exactly what hes become at the major-league level. Comprehensive coverage of Michigan's auto industry, including in-depth analysis of Ford, GM, and Stellantis latest developments and innovations. Theres a legitimate three-way battle to back up Ramos, but everyone knows who the starter will be. The Tigers can't wait to learn if Vierling can be an everyday player in the outfield. The 23-year-old, who made several changes behind the scenes, has been hitting the ball hard throughout spring training. Determining the projected batting order is surprisingly complicated, so Im going to save that for another day and another story. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 3 Detroit Tigers players most likely to have a breakout season in 2023. dark. DETROIT What will the Detroit Tigers starting lineup look like on Opening Day after their blockbuster trade for outfielder Austin Meadows? He is a third baseman by trade and more comfortable at the hot corner, but the way the roster is playing out (more on that later) looks likely to force him across the diamond. Hinch is keeping Torkelson low in the lineup and will likely continue to do so at the start of the regular season. Weve already waited too long. Everyone knows Baez can hit for power and run the bases at an elite level. [Video], Detroit Tigers prospect Colt Keith hits a home run in 1st at-bat with Toledo [Video], Detroit Tigers select Wyatt Langford in 2023 MLB Mock Draft. Spring training stats: .154/.267/.269, 1 home run, 3 walks, 6 strikeouts. He was one of the teams best players in 2020, and the Tigers are happy to have him back for another season. He looks pretty good. If Torkelson doesnt make the club, Jonathan Schoop would continue to play first base, while Harold Castro, Willi Castro or Isaac Paredes would get more looks at second base. If Pineda isnt ready for the start of the season, Alexander would open as the No. Inside the Article:The Tigers dropped the series openerMichael Lorenzen admits he must find results Key PointsWrapping It Up: Lorenzen Detroit Tigers Opening day Roster Projection, Detroit Tigers Opening Day Roster Projection 1.0, Detroit Lions may have to overpay to keep DJ Chark, Todd McShay wouldnt be surprised if Lions make trade in 2023 NFL Draft, Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Lorenzen says I gotta figure out how to get results, Detroit Pistons trade Balsa Koprivica to Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Lions Biggest X-Factor Entering 2023 Season, Detroit Tigers No. The Tigers will play soon at Comerica Park, one of three sporting venues . Spring training stats: .219/.242/.344, 0 home runs, 0 walks, 6 strikeouts. Hinch said Cabrera will play some first base this season, but expect to see him penciled into the designated hitter spot much more often than not. The Detroit Tigers have 39 players remaining in major-league camp to fill the team's Opening Day roster, which will have 28 spots, two more than . Hinch will have to make some tough choices further down the roster. Spring training has been underway for the Detroit Tigers since mid-February. When I say Candelario is a lock, that means hes guaranteed to make the roster. Updated: Saturday, July 1, 2023 6:18 AM ET, Effectively Wild Episode 2027: The First Half of the Season, Summed Up, The Lefty Ketel Marte Is Performing Better Than Ever, The Sleeper and the Bust Episode: 1192 SPs On the Rise, Young Cs, and Wk 15 2-Start SPs, Starting Pitchers Arent Leaning On Their Best Pitches. To start this season, we felt like the versatility was going to be very important, Hinch said. With all of these considerations put into place, here is my ideal Detroit Tigers lineup in 2023: The choice between Reyes and Derek Hill for fourth outfielder will be a tough one for manager A.J. It was all sort of tied together. Thats after he broke out with a .369 OBP and .872 OPS during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. For much of 2020, he emerged as the most consistent hitter in the lineup. FILE - In this Friday, July 10, 2020, file photo, the Detroit Tigers play an intrasquad baseball game, in Detroit. The good news: Al Avila landed a bonafide power bat to the heart of the order. Its been a rough spring, but you dont just ditch a guy who posted an .849 OPS last season and has shown an elite defensive ceiling. If Hernndez makes the team as a true utility player, the Tigers would benefit from adding a right-handed hitting third baseman to platoon with Maton. Dont be surprised if he gets more than an occasional start at first base. MORE ON BEZ: Can World Baseball Classic help 'comfortable' Javier Bez energize Tigers in 2023? However, rosters will revert to 26 players with a 13-pitcher maximum on May 2. But Rogers, who went 4-for-112 with 51 strikeouts at the MLB level in 2019, is just 3-for-22 this spring with 10 strikeouts and a .382 OPS. He hit more doubles (four) than home runs (one), but more importantly, he very rarely looked overmatched, even against good veteran pitchers (other than Kevin Gausman). * Imminent Big Leaguers article. But hes the only player on the Tigers' roster whose primary position is first base. MORE ON HERNNDEZ: For first time, Tigers' Csar Hernndez enters spring training without assurances, MORE ON IBEZ: Tigers' Andy Ibez puts roster battle on pause to play for Team Cuba. The regular season begins March 30 against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida. It also wasnt complicated. Positionally, aside from first baseman/DH Miguel Cabrera and catchers Wilson Ramos and Grayson Greiner, everybody on Detroit's roster can play more than one spot. He loves to channel his energy and emotions into every facet of the game -- offense, defense and base running. LAKELAND, Fla. Opening Day is eight days away. The only problem is Goodrum has completely lost the offensive momentum he built in 2018 and 2019. Nez at first base, I think, could hold his own if given more reps and continuing to work that way, Hinch said. Schoop has hit lefties slightly better throughout his career, but he had reverse splits last seasonif you can even call them that. Matt Vierling, LF. Outfield: Robbie Grossman, JaCoby Jones, Nomar Mazara, Victor Reyes, Akil BaddooDetroit is carrying five outfielders to accommodate Baddoo, who made such an impression this Spring Training that the Tigers essentially had to keep the Rule 5 Draft pick rather than offer him back to the division-rival Twins.