LAKELAND, Fla. -- Wily Peralta walked into the Tigers clubhouse at Joker Marchant Stadium and had to get acclimated. Though he re-signed with Detroit, where he rekindled his career last year, he isn’t used to being in Spring Training.

Peralta missed all of last year’s camp with visa issues after signing in mid-February. He wasn’t in a camp in 2020. He hasn’t been in a Spring Training since 2019, his final season with the Royals.

“I haven’t had a real Spring Training in a couple years,” he said after finishing his physical Monday morning. “I’m really happy.”

Peralta was all but guaranteed to be a delayed arrival to this camp with the quick ramp-up following the approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Though he signed a Minor League deal with the Tigers right after the transactions freeze ended, he had to wait for the visa process.

In the meantime, he tried to do his own Spring Training in his native Dominican Republic. He threw to hitters at a facility close to home. He did his own workouts. He even tried to simulate pitchers fielding practice.

“I actually did a couple PFPs,” he said, “because I know that in the situation that I’m in, if you come in and start doing PFPs you’re probably going to get hurt. I was anticipating and did my own PFP and tried to mix in stuff from a normal Spring Training.”

Peralta doesn’t anticipate needing long to ramp up to game readiness, but the Tigers will still be careful with the 32-year-old right-hander. He threw a bullpen session on Monday, and will stay in camp after the Tigers head north.

“I don’t think it’s going to take long for me to get ready,” he said, “because I was able to keep throwing in the Dominican. But I don’t know anything yet.” 

The fact that the Tigers are eyeing him for a multi-inning relief role, rather than the rotation spot he filled for the second half of last season, should help shorten his process.

“Whatever they need me to do to help them out, I’m going to be happy to do it,” he said.

Rogers ramping up rehab
Catcher Jake Rogers is bracing for the loneliness of an empty clubhouse when the Tigers head north and he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Fortunately, he’s prepared.

“Once they leave, I’m going to start reading,” he said. “I’ve got some books my brothers and dad are going to send me. I’m a history nut, so I have plenty to read. It’s pretty hard for me to get bored.”

Rogers began swinging a bat on Monday. His throwing progression has gone well without setbacks.