The Detroit Tigers are aiming for a strong second-half surge to secure a second consecutive playoff appearance, an AL Central crown, and possibly the top seed in the American League. With a favorable schedule ahead, they’re well-positioned to chase those goals.
Their upcoming slate includes a seven-game road trip against the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins, a six-game homestand versus the Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals, and then a six-game road trip facing the Royals and the Athletics.
However, as the Tigers gear up for this stretch, they’ll be missing one of their outfielders, who has dealt with recurring injuries throughout the season.
Before wrapping up their three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, the Tigers announced that veteran outfielder was headed to the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain.
To fill his roster spot, Detroit recalled infielder, who has struggled offensively in the majors this season.
Per The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen, manager A.J. Hinch said the strain is mild and they haven’t ruled out a return for Vierling later on, but he still needs time on the IL.
The news is frustrating for some Tigers fans, as Vierling had just been activated from the IL at the end of June after a rotator cuff strain and later inflammation sidelined him earlier this year.
In his limited action, the 28-year-old hasn’t produced much, hitting .239/.310/.307 with one homer and 11 RBI in 31 games. His .617 OPS is a career low, and in July he batted just .200 with four RBI. Still, he seemed to be heating up this month, hitting .368 with a double, a homer, and four RBI over seven games before the injury.
Without Vierling, the Tigers will likely turn to Javy Baez, with Wenceel Perez also in the mix. Baez is batting .269 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI this year, while playing multiple positions, including 37 games in center field. Perez is hitting .267 with nine homers, 25 RBI, and an impressive .813 OPS, seeing most of his time in right field.