The Tigers have seen an astounding 13 players spend time on the Injury list this year, but inspire of that overcome that feat due to timely roster moves and versatility displayed by their roster. Next, is an update of players who will soon be returning from injury and what their roles will be on the team moving forward.

Matt Vierling

Vierling appears to be fully recovered from a rotator cuff injury that held him out of most of Spring Training and the first month of the season.He will likely takeover the role as primary centerfielder as well as an option to spell Riley Greene or Kerry Carpenter at the corners if need be. It will all depend on who gets sent down in correlation to his advancement. The likely option is Jace Jung. Although he seems to be much more comfortable defensively at third, has continued to struggle at the plate.

Exciting news for fans! Matt Vierling gears up for his comeback, starting a rehab assignment this Sunday. Could he be the key to dominating the AL Central? https://t.co/VYicsWMkxn pic.twitter.com/LEloXuhlHK

— Koen Nash (@K0enNa5h) May 5, 2025

Manuel Margot

Margot suffered patellar tendon injury. He Is currently rehabbing in AAA. On the short term he will be utilized as a depth option in the corner outfield. In the long hall, Margot will likely find himself as the odd man out once Meadows and Perez get healthy. The emergence of Javy Baez and Zach Mckinstry as legitimate options on a daily, makes Margot’s contributions expendable. Margot was brought in as insurance after Wenceel Perez went down. Had he stayed healthy he would’ve afforded himself more leverage but his lack of availability will not work in his favor in remaining on the team the rest of the season. The corresponding move to make room for him currently is a little less certain than in Vierling’s situation. It very well may be Justin-Henry Malloy, who he originally made the Opening Day roster over. But there’s an outside shot that Detroit will instead elect to send a pitcher down.

Parker Meadows

Meadows has the longest path to recovery currently. He remains on the 60 Day IL with a nerve issue in his upper arm.  His status has improved since early in the Spring. He has been cleared to begin a throwing program, batting practice, and his now playing catch. There is an outside chance that he could return to the team at the end of May. When he returns he will regain the everyday Centerfield job, moving Baez back to a full-time role somewhere on the right side of the left side of the infield. Parker’s presence will provide instant stability to the outfield and equip the team with their fastest baserunner. Meadows was ranked in the 90th plus percentile of base running speed and range in the outfield.