Matt Vierling DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling (shoulder) has progressed to hitting soft toss in the batting cage. It's worth noting that Vierling is also doing defensive drills and conditioning daily. It's a step in the right direction for Vierling who is working his way back from a shoulder strain. The organization is hopeful to get Vierling back by the end of April. That would be great for the Tigers who are quickly running out of options in the outfield due to injuries. The Tigers are already without Wenceel Perez (back) and Parker Meadows (arm) to begin the season.

Detroit Tigers outfielders Parker Meadows (arm) and Matt Vierling (shoulder) are still not throwing as they work their way back to try and re-join the Tigers lineup. Meadows was shut down after just one Spring Training game with a nerve issue, and Manager A.J. Hinch said Meadows is making steps in his recovery but also confirmed last Friday that Meadows will begin the season on the injured list. The Tigers plan to have Wenceel Perez step in as the primary center fielded while Meadows is out, and Riley Greene could slide to center at times as well. Vierling also played just one game this Spring Training before being sidelined by a rotator cuff strain and will begin the season on the injured list, opening playing time for Justyn-Henry Malloy and Andy Ibanez.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling (shoulder) is going to be sidelined to begin the 2025 season. Vierling is dealing with a rotator cuff strain, so it's unclear how long he's going to be out right now. This is a tough break for the Tigers given Vierling slashed .257/.312/.423 with 16 home runs and 57 RBI across 144 games in Detroit last season. He is also a solid defender that earned himself a 3.0 WAR in 2024. Now, the Tigers will look at alternative options such as Justyn-Henry Malloy or Weencel Perez. Neither is an ideal fantasy option, but Perez was better than Malloy with the bat last season.