In a sense, spring warm up is just ending now and something like the actual competition for the final roster spots ramping up over the final two weeks of Grapefruit League action. The first weeks are mainly just stretching out into game shape and getting rhythm and timing going, both at the plate and on the mound. For players assured a roster spot, there’s really no rush and the trick is to conserve energy and avoid injury while slowly getting up to game speed just in time for Opening Day.
We’ve talked
about the position side quite a bit. The main questions haven’t changed. Kevin McGonigle is going to see a lot fewer fastballs to hit over the next two weeks as the big league regulars stretch out and there are fewer minor leaguers getting reps on the mound. He’s done everything the Tigers could’ve asked to prove he’s ready for the starting shortstop job so far, but the big test is seeing a lot more spin and offspeed, from pitchers who can throw strikes without making too many big mistakes. His track record says this won’t be a problem, but it may be an adjustment.
So we’ll be watching him closely like everyone else, with the center field job really the other main positional question to answer.
The rotation is set. Will Vest, Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan, Tyler Holton, and Drew Anderson are all locks for the bullpen. That’s five of the eight man bullpen locked in. Three spots remaining.
The Tigers picking up Enmanuel de Jesus’ contract suggests he’ll be in the Opening Day bullpen, though it’s not certain. The club may prefer to take Brant Hurter as the second lefty, or to take both.
Brenan Hanifee is on the 40-man roster already. So is Beau Brieske, whose rib cage discomfort has abated and should return to action soon. Sawyer Gipson-Long and lefty Bailey Horn are on the 40-man but dealing with hopefully minor injuries. Troy Melton is on the 60-day IL. Dylan Smith and lefty Drew Sommers are on the 40-man but already optioned to minor league camp along with Keider Montero, who is still with Team Venezuela currently.
Anyone else in camp, whether Tanner Rainey, Burch Smith, Jack Little, Sean Guenther, Ricky Vanasco, or players already moved to minor league camp like Tyler Mattison, Cole Waites, or Tyler Owens, will require a 40-man roster move.
In theory there are three spots. One of them will go to a left-hander, whether De Jesus, Hurter, Sean Guenther, or some combination of them. If you’re A.J. Hinch, which three relievers in camp are you taking?
