Injuries & Moves: Vierling scratched with sore back
LATEST NEWS
May 29: OF Matt Vierling (back soreness) scratched from lineup
The Tigers originally had Vierling in right field for Monday’s series opener against the Rangers, but they scratched him after he reported soreness in his back. Zack Short took his place in Monday’s lineup at third base, moving Zach McKinstry into Vierling’s spot in right field.
“He was pretty stiff coming into the day,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “And once he reported it, we scratched him and put Shorty in there. … We’re going to be pretty cautious with that, especially when you factor in how many games we have.”
INJURY UPDATES
Day to day
OF Matt Vierling (back soreness)
Expected return: Day to day
Vierling was scratched from the lineup on May 29 after reporting a sore back. He had started 10 of the Tigers' previous 11 games, and he entered as a pinch-hitter in the other game. Manager A.J. Hinch said Detroit will be cautious with Vierling, and with Zach McKinstry moving to right field to fill Vierling's spot, there shouldn't be any need to rush his return. (Last updated: May 29)
10-day and 15-day IL
OF Kerry Carpenter (right shoulder sprain)
Expected return: Possibly week of May 29
Carpenter began a Minor League rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on May 26, going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. He rejoined the Tigers at Comerica Park to get work in on May 27 and returned to Toledo on May 28. For now, the plan is for Carpenter to exclusively DH, but manager A.J. Hinch said Carpenter would also begin slowly ramping up his throwing. (Last updated: May 29)
RHP Spencer Turnbull (neck discomfort)
Expected return: Possibly June
Turnbull underwent an MRI exam that showed improvement in his neck. He’ll have another MRI in two weeks, and if it shows continued improvement, he should be cleared to begin a throwing program. (Last updated: May 26)
RHP Trey Wingenter (right biceps tendinitis)
Expected return: TBD
Wingenter continues his throwing progression at the Tigers' Spring Training complex in Lakeland, Fla. (Last updated: May 23)
60-day IL
RHP Beau Brieske (right ulnar nerve entrapment)
Expected return: TBD
Brieske threw live batting practice to hitters this week at the Tigers’ Spring Training facility in Lakeland, Fla. He’s scheduled to throw to hitters again on May 27. (Last updated: May 26)
LHP Tarik Skubal (left flexor tendon surgery)
Expected return: Possibly June
Skubal threw 20 pitches of live batting practice Friday at Comerica Park. He’ll throw another session next week. (Last updated: May 26)
RHP Matt Manning (fractured right foot)
Expected return: Hopefully mid-June
Manning was cleared to begin a throwing progression this week. He threw his first bullpen session May 23 and is scheduled to throw again May 27. (Last updated: May 26)
RHP Casey Mize (Tommy John surgery, lumbar strain)
Expected return: Possibly 2023
Mize experienced lower back soreness following his latest throwing session and will rest this week, according to the Tigers' medical report. The rest had been built into his throwing progression. (Last updated: May 23)
RHP Freddy Pacheco (right elbow sprain)
Expected return: Possibly summer 2023
Pacheco is being evaluated by doctors after experiencing right elbow discomfort during a bullpen session last week. The 25-year-old righty, acquired from the Cardinals on March 14, was recalled from Triple-A Toledo and placed on the 60-day injured list in order to clear a 40-man roster spot. (Last updated: May 23)
OF Austin Meadows (anxiety)
Expected return: TBD
Meadows continues to do light baseball activity at Comerica Park. The Tigers have no timetable for his return other than his May 1 move to the 60-day IL, which means he isn’t eligible to return until at least June 6.
"I think as an organization, we need to talk more about mental health issues," Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said May 12. "I think we need to do our part as an organization to destigmatize mental health issues in society and sports. However, at the same time, the last thing I want to do violate the confidentiality that I promised the players with respect to the mental health resources and support that we're providing to them." (Last updated: May 12)