Roster projections are always a fun challenge, and this year, with the current Detroit Tigers roster, it has been quite the adventure. There are several roster spots we have discussed, like the catching situation and the fourth outfield spot, that are up for grabs. Below you’ll find a list of names followed by a short paragraph explaining the projection.
Infield
3B Nick Maton
2B Jonathan Schoop
SS Javier Báez
1B Tyler Nevin
A name you don’t see here is Spencer Torkelson. Right now, which is why this is an ongoing projection series, he is off to a 0-for-8 start. Do spring training stats matter? No, absolutely not. Outside of what would’ve been a home run at Comerica Park against the Phillies in game one of Grapefruit League action, he has hit just one ball over 100 MPH since. This could all change by Sunday, and it’s always possible he could go on a tear.
But Torkelson has minor league options, and Nevin does not. More ABs in Toledo would give Torkelson time to continue working on his swing. Perhaps I am in the minority with this take, but Detroit’s April schedule is absolutely brutal. They open with their first six games on the road against the Rays and then the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros.
Scott Harris wants players who can control the strike zone, and currently, Torkelson is not doing that. Who knows, he could finish Grapefruit League action on fire. But for now, if the Tigers want to stay competitive, they can’t afford to wait for Torkelson to catch up.
Catcher
Eric Haase
Jake Rogers
Both Haase and Rogers have hit for power and, minus a few throwing issues, they have both looked comfortable and in sync with the pitchers.
Outfield
CF Riley Greene
RF Austin Meadows
LF Akil Baddoo
RF Kerry Carpenter
Bench
UTL Matt Vierling
UTL César Hernández
DH/1B Miguel Cabrera
Parker Meadows is making a strong case for a spot in the outfield with a good spring so far, but he’s the type of the player who thrives with regular at-bats. Hernández’s glove and his ability to switch hit makes him a part of the roster. He’s a vet who fits well in the clubhouse and, like Vierling, he could play anywhere Hinch needs him to.
Tigers Starting Rotation:
- LHP Eduardo Rodriguez
- RHP Michael Lorenzen
- LHP Matthew Boyd
- RHP Matt Manning
- RHP Spencer Turnbull
Tigers Bullpen:
- RHP Mason Englert
- RHP Alex Lange
- RHP Jason Foley
- RHP Jose Cisnero
- RHP Will Vest
- LHP Tyler Alexander
- LHP Chasen Shreve
- RHP Kervin Castro
Castro is just 24 years old, but the former Giants right-hander has been pumping 96-97 with his fastball and he also owns a plus curve. His sample size is rather small, with just two innings of work in the spring. However, Hinch likes this arm and when he’s throwing strikes he provides a different look. This could change all by the end of the week, but for now, he seems like the early favorite to land the last bullpen spot.
Photo Credit: © Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
