The whiplash from the surprise of the Justin Verlander signing, to the images of the franchise’s greatest pitcher working out in his old haunts alongside Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Framber Valdez on Wednesday, made from some fine visual storytelling. Pitchers and catchers reported to the Detroit Tigers complex in Lakeland to kick off spring training on Wednesday. Along with the traditional first injury report, which held a few minor surprises, we got our first look at the refurbished 2026 starting
rotation.
There were a few features, as Framber Valdez had his press conference alongside Scott Harris and GM Jeff Greenberg. There was an interesting note as his full group of rotation mates, Tarik Skubal, Justin Verlander, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize all walked in as the presser was starting to support their teammate. You like to see them working on that unity within the group from the start.
A.J. Hinch talked to reporters about recruiting Framber Valdez, whose nickname is La Grassa. It literally refers to grease, but can be taken as something like “Slick” and comes from his former catcher Martin Maldonado teasing Valdez about his cologne and hair products rather than his pitching motion.
We also got the first injury report of the spring, which always holds some surprises. Jackson Jobe and Jake Miller were throwing from 60 feet, which is particularly positive in Jobe’s case as he’s still only about eight months out from his Tommy John surgery. Miller, in my eyes the Tigers top pitching prospect right now, is recovering from hip labrum surgery and may require a little extended spring training time before returning to Double or Triple-A to begin his season.
The only thing to really give any pause was the note that Dillon Dingler had his second elbow arthroscopy in two years. The procedure is generally very minor, used to clean up any scar tissue or bone spurs around the UCL. Still, while he’s expected to be fully on schedule for Opening Day, it’s worth keeping in mind. LHP Bailey Horn and RHP Troy Watson, both expected to provide minor league depth to the bullpen and rotation, also had the procedure but are on track. Beyond that it’s the usual litany of minor injuries.
Scott Harris was on hand, and spoke to reporters about how the Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez deals came together.
Finally, Parker Meadows wasn’t checking his phone over the past 24 hours and got a surprise when he arrived to find Justin Verlander in the clubhouse.
