Detroit Tigers DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Detroit Tigers right-handed rookie Sawyer Gipson-Long (groin), who has been dealing with a left-groin strain since the start of spring training, was scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in camp on Wednesday in Lakeland, Florida. Gipson-Long's groin injury has prevented him from competing for a starting spot to begin the 2024 regular season, but as long as he doesn't have any further setbacks, he should be ready to go shortly after the minor-league season kicks off. Per MLB Pipeline, the 26-year-old is the team's No. 11 prospect. He had 26 strikeouts in 20 innings over his first four MLB starts in 2023 despite having an ERA over 5.00 at Triple-A Toledo before his call-up. Gipson-Long could use some more minor-league seasoning before becoming an option for Detroit's rotation once again at some point down the road in 2024.

San Francisco Giants infielder Wilmer Flores (knee) was scratched from the team's Cactus League lineup on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels due to a little knee soreness. Flores said "it's nothing." Flores should be considered day-to-day for now and should be ready for Opening Day next Thursday versus the division-rival San Diego Padres. Despite the 32-year-old Venezuelan putting up the best offensive numbers of his career last year for the Giants -- .284 average, 23 home runs and 60 RBI in 126 games -- playing time is going to be an issue for him in 2024. Flores was a bit fortunate to put up the numbers that he did, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he hits lefties well. At worst, he should be in some sort of short-sided platoon role in San Francisco's infield.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matt Manning has been incredibly sharp early in camp. The right-hander made easy work of the Atlanta Braves lineup during Friday's game. Manning threw four scoreless innings while striking out three batters during Friday's victory. The 26-year-old has allowed one run or less in three of his first four outings this spring. The former-first round pick has struggled to stay healthy early in his career. Manning has always had the potential to be a solid contributor at the big league level. Fantasy managers should keep on eye on him going into Opening Day.

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson went 0-for-2 with a walk in Thursday's Grapefruit League action against the New York Yankees. The former first overall pick is now hitting a putrid .115 with three RBI and a run scored over his first 26 at-bats. The 24-year-old has had an up-and-down career thus far, but he finished strong in 2023 and provided plenty of power with 31 homers and 94 RBI to go along with a .233 batting average. Torkelson has been a popular sleeper this offseason with the expectation that he take another step forward in 2024, but with an ADP of 118, managers should continue to keep an eye on the slugger before making a big commitment that could go either way. Regardless, even if he struggles in the batting average department, the power should be able to help managers.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter went 2-for-3 with two runs, three RBI and a solo home run against the New York Yankees in Grapefruit League action. The homer would be the first of the spring for the slugger. Carpenter has always been known as a big power bat and really came on in the second half of 2023 for the Tigers and fantasy managers. He would finish with a .278 average, 20 homers and 64 RBI in 418 at-bats. Despite his struggles this spring with a .235 batting average, the left-handed slugger should provide good value as a fifth outfielder or depth piece with an ADP of 218.