Detroit Tigers DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Detroit Tigers right-hander Brendan White (elbow) has been experiencing posterior right-elbow soreness in camp and will complete a short period of rest before re-starting his throwing program. Fellow right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long (groin) reported left-groin discomfort after throwing a bullpen session last week in which imaging confirmed a left-groin strain. White's injury could hurt his chances of winning a roster spot in Detroit's bullpen to start the year. The 25-year-old had a 5.09 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with 44 K's and 15 walks in 40 2/3 innings over 33 outings (two starts) in his rookie year in 2023. Gipson-Long, 26, is probably unlikely to win a starting-rotation spot out of spring training this year, especially now that he's hurt.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene (elbow) is scheduled to face live pitching this week and is completing all other baseball activities at spring training. Greene is recovering from a right-elbow sprain that required Tommy John surgery last year, and he might be initially held back from participating in Grapefruit League games in camp. However, barring a setback, he should be ready for Opening Day as Detroit's starting center fielder. The good news is that the surgery was to the 23-year-old's right (non-throwing) arm. Greene struck out a lot in his second big-league season in 2023 but still managed to hit .288 (109-for-378) before his injury with 11 home runs, 37 RBI and seven steals in 99 games played. He should be considered an intriguing target as a No. 3 fantasy outfielder with upside in 2024.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (back, core) said he has battled through lower-back and core issues the last two years. However, with a new training routine, he said he feels strong and more like himself heading into the 2024 season. Baez didn't have any offseason surgery but just focused on strengthening those areas. It would help explain why the 31-year-old has tailed off as a hitter in his first two years in Detroit. He has slashed a pathetic .230/.273/.361 with 26 home runs, 126 RBI, 21 stolen bases and 272 strikeouts in 1,065 at-bats in his time with the Tigers and is currently outside RotoBaller's top-30 shortstop rankings. He's been a disaster since signing a six-year, $140 million, and time will only tell if better health will lead to better results.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene (elbow) said he expects to play in Grapefruit League games once the spring schedule begins. He also said the Tigers are planning a blend of designated hitter and outfield days for Greene. The 23-year-old credited his offseason rehab work with trainer Ben Delacruz for his improved flexibility and running form. He's five months removed from having Tommy John surgery, but it was on his right (non-throwing) elbow, which should allow him to be ready to roll on Opening Day for the Tigers. It remains to be seen how the injury will affect Greene as a hitter early on in 2024, though. The former first-rounder strikes out frequently, but he still managed to hit .288 (109-for-378) with 11 homers, 37 RBI and seven steals in 99 games last year before his injury. Greene would be a great fit for fantasy managers as a No. 4 outfielder with upside.

San Francisco Giants infielder Wilmer Flores enters spring training this year without a clear role once again. Last year, he had a stretch when he mostly came off the bench, but then he ended up being a lineup regular and the team's best hitter due to injuries. Until this past week when the team signed right-handed slugger Jorge Soler, Flores looked headed for right-handed designated hitter duty and time at first base. "Wilmer is a tough one, man. I mean, that guy hits righties, hits lefties. He's so well respected, not only around the league but certainly in this clubhouse. You don't always have a full complement of players. Guys are going to get hurt, too, but I'll figure out a way to get him in there," manager Bob Melvin said. The 32-year-old hit a career-high 23 homers in 2023, but the addition of Soler is going to make it much tougher for him to find regular ABs.