Spring should bring fresh hope, but for the Tigers, there’s a piece of bad news. Reportedly, the Tigers’ third baseman, Matt Vierling, is diagnosed with a strained rotator cuff muscle in his right shoulder and won’t be suiting up for Opening Day against the Dodgers. While he will be away from action for at least three weeks, opening day against the Dodgers got a miss. The worst part is that there is no concrete information about how many more matches he will miss.

The utility offered by Vierling to the Tigers in the last two years is second to none. Something that will haunt the Tigers in his absence. Well, the opening day game is just a few weeks away, and an immediate replacement is required for the team. Who can replace Matt Vierling? Considering Vierling’s utility, the Tigers need some experienced name to replace him. Is there anyone in their stable for the same? 

Max Vierling’s return is uncertain

Over 144 games in 2024, Vierling hit .257 with 16 homers, 41 walks, and 121 SOs. In addition to two innings at first base, he recorded 401 innings in center field, 369⅓ innings at third base, 247 innings in right field, and 91 innings in left field. Last year’s numbers were solid, but Vierling’s injury? That’s been brewing for a while. His strained rotator cuff wasn’t from one bad play—it’s a long-haul issue that’s finally caught up to him. Now, with the injury flaring up, he’s looking at a significant break, and just like that, the Tigers’ Opening Day plans are in disarray.

“The doctors have told us that he needs a period of rest, which is going to impact Opening Day. I don’t know anything more after that on how long. We’ll know more in a few weeks,” said the Tigers’ manager, AJ Hinch. Finding a replacement is going to be a tough job here, considering how the team is already grappling with multiple injuries. For the unversed, the long list of injuries for the Tigers includes Parker Meadows, Wilmer Flores, and Alex Cobb. Should the team need to go to the market again to pick replacements, or could Vierling be replaced internally? 

Who can step up for the Tigers in Vierling’s absence?

“Comfortable with the depth we have,” said Hinch on who to replace Vierling. This indicates that the Tigers’ depth strength is enough to get going even in Vireling’s absence. The Tigers have several players who can take Matt Vierling’s place, including Zach McKinstry and Wenceel Pérez. Although Wenceel Pérez is yet to reach his prime, his last year’s figures include 8 HRs and 37 RBIs with a .242 BA from over 425 plate appearances. Thus, he can be a younger replacement for Matt Vierling. 

Additionally, Zach McKinstry, a member of the Tigers, scored 32 runs in 118 games in 2024, hit four homers, and had a batting average of .215. His ability to make the ball go all over the park is the perfect answer to Vierling’s absence. Thus, the team got a few options internally, and anyway it goes, fans will witness a change at 3B on this opening day. This spring season is offering another reality check to the teams about the importance of depth strength. With the way teams are facing injury scares this year, a deep rotation is all that is needed. 

While getting a replacement for Vierling might be sooner than expected, further injuries can make the job hard for the Tigers, considering the long and grueling season around. 

What do you think about the perfect replacement for Vierling? Share your views with us below.