Matt Vierling DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Detroit Tigers placed infielder/outfielder Matt Vierling (shoulder) back on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday with right-shoulder inflammation, according to the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. In a corresponding move, outfielder Wenceel Perez (back) was reinstated from the 60-day IL. Vierling started the 2025 season on the IL with a strained right rotator cuff and had just returned for his season debut before suffering a setback with his shoulder. The 28-year-old only played in four games for Detroit and went 2-for-11 at the plate with two RBI. He will now go back on the shelf, and it's likely he won't be ready to return when his 10 days are up. It's looking like it could be a lost season for Vierling if his shoulder continues to be a problem. Until he returns, Detroit can use Perez as an option in center field, while Zach McKinstry should continue to see most of the playing time at third base.

The Detroit Tigers activated third baseman/outfielder Matt Vierling (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list on Friday and optioned left-handed reliever Sean Guenther to Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move, according to the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. Vierling is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians, but he'll be available as a pinch-hitter. He has been out since suffering a strained right rotator cuff on Feb. 23 in spring training, missing a total of 51 games this year. Although the 28-year-old isn't starting on Friday, he's been a mainstay for Detroit the last two years and should see consistent playing time for the first-place Tigers. Vierling had his best season a year ago, hitting .257 with 16 homers, 41 walks and 121 strikeouts in 144 games, and he offers fantasy managers eligibility in the outfield and at third base. He projects to mainly play right field and third base.

Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports that Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling (shoulder) has an outside chance at rejoining the team this weekend from his stint on the injured list. The St. Louis native has been sidelined since the second game of spring training with a strained rotator cuff. Vierling and teammates Parker Meadows and Wenceel Perez were all sent to Single-A Lakeland to play a game Wednesday after rain spoiled Tuesday's Triple-A Toledo outing. To get his team to full strength sooner rather than later, manager A.J. Hinch opted to get the players reps any way he could. McCosky notes that the 28-year-old could be activated on Sunday with Detroit set to line up against lefty Logan Allen and the Guardians. Whether that happens is unclear, but it appears Vierling should return soon.

Detroit Tigers infielder/outfielder Matt Vierling (shoulder) played six innings in right field on Sunday in a minor-league rehab game for Triple-A Toledo and went 0-for-3 at the plate. It was the first time that Vierling played defense in his fifth appearance on the farm. The 28-year-old has gone 3-for-13 with two home runs, a double, two RBI and three runs scored so far with the Mud Hens as he looks to make his 2025 debut with Detroit in the near future. If he is able to avoid a setback with his shoulder, it's possible Vierling could rejoin the major-league roster this weekend or early next week. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking for help in the outfield or at third base should take notice, as Vierling should play regularly between center field and the hot corner when he's back. In his two seasons with the Tigers, he's slashed .259/.320/.406 with 26 homers, 101 RBI and 12 steals in 278 games played.

Detroit Tigers outfielder/infielder Matt Vierling (shoulder) has joined Triple-A Toledo on the road against Triple-A Worcester, a source told Baseball America's Emily Waldon. Vierling will get a few days of conditioning and is planning to serve as the designated hitter on Sunday for the Mud Hens. The 28-year-old has missed all of the 2025 season so far after landing on the 10-day injured list at the end of March due to a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder. When he's finally activated, he should serve as a lineup regular for Detroit between the outfield and infield. In 144 games with the Tigers in his second season with the team in 2024, Vierling set career-highs in home runs (16), doubles (28), RBI (57) and runs scored (80) while slashing .257/.312/.423 while also stealing six bases. Fantasy managers looking for outfield depth in deeper leagues should consider picking him up if he's available on the waiver wire.