The Tigers' 26-man roster is set for Opening Day. The final cuts came with a couple surprises Wednesday, the day before Detroit starts the season in Los Angeles against the World Champion Dodgers.
For one, the Tigers kept Ryan Kreidler's glove over Justyn-Henry Malloy's bat, amid a rash of injuries in center field. The Tigers think so highly of Kreidler's defense that they're apparently ready to play him in center even though he's a shortstop by trade -- and even though Malloy could provide some of the right-handed power they lack.
Speaking of right-handed power, Spencer Torkelson is staying with the Tigers. He earned his way back on the roster after being demoted to Toledo last year and entering camp as a long-shot to make the team by being the club's best hitter this spring. He hit .340 with five homers.
For another, Jason Foley, the Tigers' primary closer last year, was optioned to Triple-A, along with veteran reliever Andrew Chafin. Foley had a 3.15 ERA and 28 saves last season but wasn't as dominant in the second half and pitched just once in Detroit's seven playoff games. He didn't help his roster case with a 6.14 ERA in eight games this spring.
Chafin, who pitched well for the Tigers both last season and in 2022, signed back with the team this year on a minor-league deal, but posted a 12.00 ERA in seven spring appearances.
The Tigers are rolling with eight pitchers in the bullpen, including former starter Kenta Maeda. The only lefties are Tyler Holton and Brant Hurter. Beau Brieske, John Brebbia, Brenan Hanifee, Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest round out the relief corps.
The rotation will be headlined by reigning Triple Crown winner Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty, which could be one of the best one-two punches in the bigs -- as it was last year. Reese Olson, Casey Mize and rookie Jackson Jobe get the final three spots. Flaherty will make his first start of the season against the team that traded for him last season and with whom he won the World Series.
The Tigers' position players are listed below, including just three actual outfielders. Javy Baez is another infielder the Tigers are thinking about using in center, with Parker Meadows, Matt Vierling and Wenceel Perez all sidelined for at least the first month of the season. Torkelson, a first baseman, has also taken reps as a corner outfielder.
Outfielders: Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, Manuel Margot.
Infielders: Colt Keith, Andy Ibañez, Zach McKinstry, Trey Sweeney, Gleyber Torres, Javy Baez, Ryan Kreidler, Spencer Torkelson.
Catchers: Jake Rogers, Dillon Dingler.
