Matt Vierling's Staggering Batting Runs to Major League Glory!

LAKELAND, FL – Matt Vierling isn't playing third base, but he is doing everything else for the Detroit Tigers in spring training – making smart swing decisions, playing all three outfield positions and, most importantly, showing a healthy throwing arm in right field. He looks like himself again. It's shaping up to be a comeback season in 2026.

"He's a huge addition for us – or re-addition for us," manager A. J. Hinch said.

"I think missing him last year was very underrated. " MORE ABOUT HIM: How Matt Vierling became essential to Tigers' success — on and off the field A right shoulder injury derailed Vierling's momentum in the 2025 season, limiting him to just 31 games. There were several starts and stops along the way, beginning when he noticed discomfort in his shoulder during the early days of spring training.

It turned out to be a strained rotator cuff. Vierling dealt with the right shoulder strain for the first three months of the season, then missed the final two months with a left oblique strain. "I hate being hurt," Vierling said.