Detroit Tigers: Who’s on the Opening Day Roster?
By Matt Snyder
The Detroit Tigers have finalized their Opening Day roster. Here’s a look at which players made the cut.
The Detroit Tigers entered Spring Training with only two big position battles: who would win the center field job, and who would win the fifth spot in the starting rotation? We now have those answers (and the answers to several small questions) as the Tigers have finalized their roster ahead of Opening Day.
Here’s a look at the players that manager Brad Ausmus will have at his disposal to start the season.
Starting Pitchers
(5) Justin Verlander, Jordan Zimmermann, Daniel Norris, Michael Fulmer, and Matt Boyd
The only partial surprise here is the inclusion of Matt Boyd. Boyd earned his spot on the roster with a strong spring (23 strikeouts against just one walk in 25 innings), but there was some thought that the Tigers would give Anibal Sanchez and his $16.8 million contract an automatic spot in the rotation.
The Tigers, however, cleared the way for Boyd’s rotation spot by releasing Mike Pelfrey and announcing that Sanchez would move to the bullpen.
Relief Pitchers
(7) Francisco Rodriguez, Justin Wilson, Alex Wilson, Bruce Rondon, Kyle Ryan, Shane Greene, Anibal Sanchez
The Tigers will return much the same bullpen that finished in the top half of the major leagues in relief pitching WAR in 2016. They’re hoping that Sanchez’s stuff will play up in shorter stints but won’t be counting on him in high leverage situations for the time being.
Catchers
(2) James McCann, Alex Avila
McCann will get another chance to prove that he can lock down the primary catcher position for years to come. He’ll get nearly every start when facing a left-handed pitcher and split time with Avila when facing right-handers.
Infielders
(7) Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler, Jose Iglesias, Nick Castellanos, Victor Martinez, Andrew Romine, Dixon Machado
No big surprises in this group as the Tigers return their entire group of solid regulars. Super sub Andrew Romine can also play every position in the infield and outfield if needed. He might see some time in center field against right-handed pitchers. Machado will serve as extra depth off the bench but doesn’t figure to see many opportunities in the starting lineup.
Outfielders
(4) Justin Upton, JaCoby Jones, Tyler Collins, Mikie Mahtook
This group received a shake up late in spring when J.D. Martinez injured his foot. Jones should see most of the action in center field with Collins and Mahtook platooning in right field. This group will likely change once Martinez returns with Mahtook or Jones being candidates to head to AAA.
Tyler Collins could see some playing time in center field upon Martinez’s return, depending on how he and Jones have been performing.
Disabled List
(1) J.D. Martinez
Martinez is expected to miss three or four weeks with a foot injury. He’ll take over full-time duties in right field once he’s healthy.
Next: Detroit Tigers All-Decade Team of the 1990s
The Tigers will open the season on the road against the Chicago White Sox at 4:10 p.m. on Monday afternoon.