The Detroit Tigers have bolstered their pitching depth by signing left-hander Devin Smeltzer to a minor league contract, assigning him to Triple-A Toledo. Smeltzer, previously with the Miami Marlins, brings a solid control with a 6% walk rate and a history of effectiveness despite a modest strikeout rate of 16.5%. This move comes amid injury concerns for the Tigers' pitching staff, which has seen key players like Sawyer Gipson-Long and Alex Cobb sidelined. The team is also actively seeking further pitching reinforcements before the trade deadline.

In a parallel move, the Tigers have released outfielder Manuel Margot, who had been on a minor league deal after being designated for assignment earlier this season. Margot is now looking for another opportunity as he hits the free agent market.

The Detroit Tigers face challenges in their outfield as Manuel Margot has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to left knee inflammation. This injury arose during a game against the New York Yankees, leading to the call-up of Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A Toledo. Margot, who attempted to play through the pain, will be replaced by Hicklen, a versatile outfielder with a right-handed bat, in upcoming matchups.

Matt Vierling, who has been sidelined with a shoulder strain, is making progress, having been cleared to resume throwing activities. Meanwhile, Gleyber Torres is beginning a hitting progression as he recovers from an oblique injury. Additional injury updates indicate that catcher Jake Rogers also experienced an oblique issue, further complicating the Tigers' roster dynamics.

Gleyber Torres, the Detroit Tigers' second baseman, was sidelined from Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to sore ribs, a recurring issue that was aggravated during the previous night's game. Manager A.J. Hinch is exercising caution, hoping a day off will aid Torres' recovery. Colt Keith stepped in as a replacement, having experience at second base from last season. Keith has struggled at the plate this season but remains focused on slowing the game down and regaining his composure. A controversial play involving outfielder Manuel Margot added to the team's frustrations, as a safe call was overturned after a review.

The Detroit Tigers are grappling with a severe injury crisis in center field as Parker Meadows, Matt Vierling, and Wenceel Pérez are all sidelined as the 2025 season begins. Meadows, expected to lead off, faces a lengthy absence due to a nerve issue, while Pérez and Vierling are also expected to miss significant time with back and shoulder injuries, respectively. As Opening Day approaches, the Tigers are exploring internal options, notably Riley Greene, although he is being kept in left field to preserve his health. Other candidates include Manuel Margot and Ryan Kreidler, with Margot signing shortly before Pérez's injury.

While the Tigers are optimistic about the eventual returns of their injured players, the immediate focus is on securing a strong defensive strategy in center field. Tigers president Scott Harris emphasized the importance of not overexerting healthy players in a bid to compensate for losses. The Tigers must carefully weigh their options and consider the defensive implications of any adjustments they make in the field.

The Detroit Tigers have placed center fielder Parker Meadows on the 60-day injured list due to a lingering musculocutaneous nerve issue. This absence means Meadows won't be eligible to play until late May, totaling over 90 days without game action. He hasn't thrown a baseball since late February, and despite a recent nerve conduction test, he has been prescribed at least another month of rest. This situation complicates the Tigers' outfield depth as another player, Wenceel Pérez, is sidelined with back inflammation, and Matt Vierling is also out with a shoulder strain.

To cover for these injuries, the Tigers signed Manuel Margot to a one-year, $1.3 million contract, which occurred prior to Pérez's injury. However, with both Meadows and Pérez unavailable, the Tigers will struggle to field a full-time center fielder against right-handed pitching early in the season.