The Tigers announced that third baseman/outfielder Matt Vierling has been activated from the 10-day injured list. Shortstop Trey Sweeney was optioned to Triple-A Toledo in the corresponding move, which took place after Detroit’s 4-1 loss to Minnesota last night.
Vierling’s 2025 season has basically been a wash, as he has played in only four games in between two lengthy stints on the IL. He strained his right rotator cuff in February, which kept him on the shelf until May 23. That return to the Tigers’ lineup was short-lived, as just five days later, Vierling was placed back on the 10-day IL due to right shoulder inflammation. Fortunately, an MRI taken earlier this month didn’t reveal any structural damage in the shoulder, and Vierling was able to soon start a minor league rehab assignment that lasted seven games.
He is now in today’s lineup as the starting center fielder, and looking to start playing a larger role for a Tigers team that has the best record in the American League. Now in his third season in Motown, Vierling hit .259/.320/.406 with 26 homers over 1097 plate appearances in 2023-24, toggling between third base and all three outfield positions. Vierling’s right-handed bat is a nice complement to Detroit’s many lefty swingers, giving manager A.J. Hinch some extra flexibility in balancing out his lineup.
Sweeney’s move to Triple-A is notable, as his installation as the Tigers’ starting shortstop last August was one of the many factors that sparked Detroit’s stunning late-season surge into a playoff berth. Acquired from the Dodgers as part of the Jack Flaherty trade at last year’s deadline, Sweeney didn’t hit much in his first taste of big league action, but strong defense helped solidify the shortstop position since the Tigers had gotten so little from Javier Baez, Zach McKinstry, and Ryan Kreidler.
This season, however, Baez has enjoyed a career resurgence and McKinstry has broken out in a multi-positional role. Since Sweeney is still only hitting .221/.280/.314 over 225 PA and his glovework has fallen off, he’ll head to Toledo as the odd man out of the Tigers’ roster. Baez and McKinstry figure to fully assume shortstop duties going forward, perhaps in a loose righty-lefty platoon depending on whether or not McKinstry is being utilized elsewhere on the diamond.
Heading for the exits at Yankee stadium, BAHAHA!
I wasn’t sure who the odd man out would be. I was thinking Hurter, as he has temporarily become unusable and needs to work on things in the minors. Absolutely forgot about Sweeney as he has not been used much lately. Vierling provides platoon options in the OF, and strengthens 3B depth. If Carpenter comes out of his slump, this team will be running on all cylanders. Just waiting on Olsen and Cobb, or a trade acquisition.
If Vierling gets back to playing like he did last year I don’t know that they need to pick up another bat unless it is a massive upgrade. Their pitching is great but a tweak or two wouldn’t hurt. They have a playoff grade roster right now and they could beat anyone.
I’m waiting for a replay with the Dodgers, those first 3 games still sting a little. This isn’t the same team they swept in LA, I think if the baseball gods are real we will see them in a 7 game World Series in October. Yes I know anything can happen but these 2 teams are the cream of the league!
Hinch
I think it was SI who predicted a Tigers vs Dodgers Workd Seties this year. Hope they are right!
It would be a good series.
The Tigers might have been swept but they were in those games.
I was surprised Sweeney got as much playing time as he did. I thought of him as the undercard in the Flaherty return and would likely never see the majors. I admit he’s been barely serviceable, but I think we’ve seen everything he will ever be capable of and it time for the next man up.
I thought Sweeney would be McKinistry’s replacement but McKinistry sure proved me wrong! For that matter so did Baez. Without the two if them the Tigers would not be having the season they are.
Wencel Perez has been amazing. This is what a good team looks like. When you have to consider if adding a player like Suarez from the Diamondbacks is worth the trade because it means dropping someone from the lineup like a McKinstry or a Perez, or a Baez, that’s a solid team!
McKinstry has been the real glue that’s kept this team rolling. I am also impressed with his glove, arm and foot speed.
If Vierling can get back to his .270-ish BA and Parker Meadows lights up like last year in the 2nd half, I agree, the Tigers don’t need to go hunting for a bat. I think Wenceel Perez has finally arrived. I feel very comfortable when he is on the field.
They need a reliable mid-rotation arm and at least 1 more lock down reliever. Alex Lange is in rehab. Might he provide that late inning arm> One outing is not enough, but Dieterich Enns looked crafty. If not a starter, he could be reliable middle reliever.
Agree. I don’t want to see future assets traded for a 3B. Zach is now .287/362/.457/.819 after yesterday, Zach, Javy and Perez have earned roster spots for a postseason run and don’t need to be “upgraded.”
Now pitching-wise, yes they could use an upgrade or two. Hurter has really struggled this year.
Sweeney will be back up from Toledo. He just needs to work on reducing his strike outs. He has a lot of power and good speed he will get it together or be traded.
I like Sweeney. He’s a very good athlete, and he’ll be back here, or part of a trade to somewhere else….. I hope he sticks around.
Sweeney is a decent bat off the bench with some speed, but he has a lot to work on with his swing. It is waaaaaay too long of a swing and he needs to shorten it up a ton or he will continue to make very little contact. When he does run into one it goes a long way, but when he misses he misses big. Hopefully with good coaching and also playing everyday in the minors will help him
I’m hoping Matt Vierling’s injuries have healed completely and he plays well. The Tigers seems to be slowing down some.
Were you really expecting them to win 130 games this year?
Heurter is currently in need of time in Toledo. This is turning into rick ankiel if they aren’t careful. It’s become mental so I don’t think putting him into a two run game Friday was the answer. He even pitched in an 8 run lead in the ninth and got no one out.
The last 11 batters he has faced have reached base