Matt Vierling DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.

Detroit Tigers infielder/outfielder Matt Vierling (shoulder) is getting his right shoulder evaluated in camp and hasn't played in a Grapefruit League game since last Saturday. The severity of Vierling's shoulder injury is unclear at the moment, but we should get an update on the 28-year-old's condition soon and whether he'll have to miss more time in camp. If it's a serious injury, it will make a big impact on Detroit's lineup to open the 2025 season, as Vierling is projected to be a regular between third base and the outfield. The biggest beneficiary if Vierling were to miss any time would be Jace Jung at the hot corner. Vierling had his best fantasy showing in 2024 in his second year in the Motor City with a .257/.312/.423 slash line, 16 home runs, 57 RBI, six stolen bases and 80 runs scored in 144 regular-season games. However, he doesn't excel anywhere offensively and is more of a real-life asset for the Tigers because of his defensive versatility.