Matt

Vierling

Vierling missed the end of the 2025 campaign and the playoffs because of an oblique strain, but his versatility has made him a very valuable player for Detroit when healthy. He’ll likely play a multitude of positions for the Tigers in 2026.

How he comes out of that session will likely determine whether or not he’s ready to be included on the Tigers’ roster for their Division Series against the Mariners. Matt Vierling (oblique) will also take batting practice on Friday to see where he’s at. It sounds like the Tigers could soon be getting some reinforcements back to their offense if everything goes well on Friday.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch stopped short of calling it a setback, but Vierling appears unlikely to make it back before the regular season wraps up and his postseason status is in jeopardy now. There should be some clarity on his status at some point in the next few days.

The versatile 28-year-old has spent the majority of the season on the injured list with a wide array of injuries. This time, he has been shelved since August 10 due to a left oblique strain. It’s unclear how many at-bats he’ll need there before he’s cleared to rejoin the Tigers. He should be expected back at some point next week barring any setbacks.

Vierling hits the injured list prior to Sunday’s series finale against the Angels just a couple days after slugging a game-winning walk-off homer during Friday’s series opener. No word yet on the severity of the strain, which will determine how much time he misses. There isn’t a ton of time left for him to make it back if it’s anything beyond a mild strain.

Vierling’s home run was his first of the season. The 28-year-old outfielder hit a go-ahead three-run home run off Reid Detmers in the eighth inning. Vierling has dealt with injuries all season, but finally seems to be coming around with the bat. He should continue to see regular playing time in the outfield until Parker Meadows returns, making him an option in AL-Only leagues.

Báez has not started in center field since June 4th, but with Parker Meadows (quad) back on the IL, he will get another chance. Báez figures to rotate in center field with Matt Vierling but will also slide to shortstop when the Tigers want to use Zach McKinstry elsewhere. Of course, that could all change if the Tigers acquire a bat or two at the deadline.

Meadows will get a break with southpaw Eric Lauer on the mound for Toronto. Matt Vierling will get the start in center and hit fifth while Meadows rests.

With the Tigers set to face a left-handed pitcher, the team is using it as a perfect time to give Greene a day off. The 24-year-old is in the midst of a great season, but he has struck out 44.3 percent of the time in 17 games in July while hitting just .182/.214/.485. Matt Vierling will start in left field and bat fifth.

With the Tigers’ lineup at full strength for the first time all season, manager A.J. Hinch is going to have to mix and match, which means more days off for most of his regulars. On Sunday, that means Pérez and Matt Vierling getting a breather. The 25-year-old outfielder has been awfully impressive through his first 99 plate appearances, slashing .289/.343/.611 with six homers and 17 RBI.