The Detroit Tigers have received some good news regarding Outfielder Wenceel Perez. After dealing with discomfort in this back throughout the Spring, and going through a series of cortisone shots, he was placed on the 60 day IL with lumbar spine inflammation. He will now begin his rehab stint this week, with the hopes of ramping up for a return to the parent club soon.

The 25 year old outfielder emerged as a solid role player last year after some injuries and stuck with the team throughout the season and into the playoffs. Perez is a switch-hitting contact bat, that rarely swings and misses. He has good speed, runs the bases well, and can also slot in at any outfield position.

The addition of Perez will add a versatile, switch-hitting bat in the mix amongst a unit that has faired surprisingly well this year, putting up double digit efforts on numerous occasions. He will also equip the team with another viable option at any outfield spot, to spell any of the everyday starters. Perez was a valuable run producing hitter last year with splits of .272/.355/.483/.838 with runners on.

Wenceel Pérez has homered from both sides of the plate! pic.twitter.com/IQJ0mIgy39

— MLB (@MLB) May 1, 2024

He will begin his rehab games on Thursday with the West Michigan White Caps. Matt Vierling, who has been DH’ing in Toledo, will make his debut in the outfield this week. This will conclude the last step in his rehab progression. Once these two players return the team will be nearly full strength in the outfield, minus Parker Meadows who continues to rehabilitate his throwing arm.

The two corresponding moves will likely be Jace Jung and Justyn-Henry Malloy. Two young players who have struggled at the plate, although they have shown vast improvements defensively. They will both benefit from playing everyday in AAA, getting much more repetitions at the plate. Jung and Malloy will be the first two up in the event of an inevitable injury down the line.