The Detroit Tigers are gearing up for the 2023 MLB season, and with spring training now complete, the team is getting ready for their Opening Day matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Tigers finished last season with a lackluster offense that ranked last in the league for runs and homers. However, new team President Scott Harris has made some tweaks to the roster and emphasized managing the strike zone.
Predicted lineup for Opening Day
Manager A.J. Hinch has announced the final roster for the Detroit Tigers’ 2023 Opening Day game against Rays’ lefty Shane McClanahan. The predicted lineup includes Matt Vierling leading off in left field, followed by Riley Greene in center field, Javier Baez at shortstop, Eric Haase behind home plate as catcher, Austin Meadows in right field, Miguel Cabrera as designated hitter, Spencer Torkelson at first base, Jonathan Schoop at second base, and Nick Maton at third base.
Vierling is expected to take on the leadoff spot due to his right-handed hitting against lefties like McClanahan. Meanwhile, Greene is predicted to be an above-average everyday player who will likely remain in the No. 2 spot throughout the season.
Baez may not have an ideal offensive profile but will likely be situated somewhere in the heart of the order due to a lack of proven hitters on the roster. Haase is expected to be this season’s primary catcher and has shown some power against lefties.
Meadows is yet to prove himself as a power hitter in Detroit but is projected to hit at least 20 homers and produce an OBP in the .330 range if he stays healthy. Cabrera may not be an ideal fit for the lineup due to his declining offensive performance.
Torkelson was a former No.1 overall pick and is expected to have every opportunity to succeed in the lineup, while Schoop struggled last year but has earned a longer leash due to his solid defensive skills.
Maton was the best spring hitter and may start batting ninth against the starting lefty.
Finalizing the Opening Day roster
The Tigers’ Opening Day roster includes a starting rotation, bullpen, catchers, infielders, and outfielders. Hinch has revealed that 95% of the Tigers’ Opening Day roster is set with all players who will likely be in the starting lineup having made the team.
The bullpen has been revamped for the new season, with new pitchers Garrett Hill, Mason Englert, Trey Wingenter, and Chasen Shreve added in. Wingenter and Shreve were non-roster invitees who will need to be added to the 40-man roster before the opener against Tampa Bay Rays.
Furthermore, Hinch has stated that he is not afraid to use anyone at any time and that his squad’s bullpen roles are yet to be defined. Tigers lost key relievers from last year’s bullpen and this year’s unit had few defined roles.
To free up one spot in their roster, Detroit waived Rony Garcia, while an injury to righthander Beau Brieske may free up another spot if placed on the 60-day injured list.
Conclusion
The Detroit Tigers are finalizing their 2023 Opening Day roster and lineup after a challenging season last year. With fresh talent added to their bullpen and tweaks made to their lineup, they hope to produce better results this season. While they face a tough first opponent in Tampa Bay Rays lefty Shane McClanahan, with an unproven but talented team, anything can happen in baseball.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
