Detroit Tigers' Matt Vierling to Miss Opening Day with Shoulder Injury

Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling will miss Opening Day after being diagnosed with a strained right rotator cuff. The injury requires a period of rest before Vierling can be re-evaluated for a return to baseball. In the 2024 season, Vierling set career highs with a .257 batting average, 16 home runs, 28 doubles, 57 RBIs, and 80 runs scored in 144 games, while over his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Tigers he has maintained a .259 average with 34 home runs.

As the Tigers prepare for their season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers from March 27-29, the organization is working to bolster its outfield. Supplemental reports, including those from ESPN and MLB.com on February 28, 2025, confirmed Vierling’s status, and Reuters noted on March 24, 2025, that the team signed veteran outfielder Manuel Margot to enhance their outfield depth amid injuries to players such as Parker Meadows.