Tigers' Matt Vierling to Miss Opening Day with Shoulder Injury

The Detroit Tigers' utility player is sidelined due to a strained rotator cuff, with no clear timeline for his return.

Matt Vierling, a key utility player for the Detroit Tigers, has been diagnosed with a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed Vierling will miss Opening Day on March 27 against the Los Angeles Dodgers and will be re-evaluated after a rest period.
Vierling played 144 games in 2024, achieving career-best stats including 16 home runs, 57 RBIs, and a .257 batting average.
The Tigers are considering internal replacements, with options including Zach McKinstry and Wenceel Pérez, though neither fully matches Vierling’s versatility and experience.
This injury adds to a growing list of concerns for the Tigers, who are already dealing with injuries to other key players such as Parker Meadows, Wilmer Flores, and Alex Cobb.