Detroit Tigers: Updates on Sanchez, V-Mart, and More

Fans have been waiting with bated breath to hear any news about Anibal Sanchez and Victor Martinez. These two important Detroit Tigers players spent much of 2015 injured. The team has not released much news, but today, Anthony Fenech with the Detroit Free Press gave an update and the news was good.

According to Fenech, Anibal Sanchez is ready to play. He is injury free and pitching at 100%. This is fantastic news for fans who are hoping that Sanchez can fill his role successfully in 2016. Without Sanchez pitching regularly, the Tigers will have difficulty finding their way into the postseason. His deceptive pitching style is not only enjoyable to watch, but it helps the Tigers get outs.

Jul 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) at bat against the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The other questionable, but necessary player that needs to be in tip-top shape is Victor Martinez. Again, Fenech gave good news. Despite the fact that V-Mart is 37-years-old, he is injury free and feeling fine. Hopefully, Martinez will keep his off-season training safe and appropriate. It is not unheard of for designated hitters to perform well even when they reach 40 years of age. Look at players like David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez. If Martinez can remain healthy into the season, he will most likely bat clean-up, just like he has for the past few seasons.

Fenech also reported on the constant chatter surrounding Yoenis Cespedes and left field. He is doubtful that Cespedes will rejoin the Tigers. He does think that there is a chance that Al Avila could sign a player like Gerardo Parra because he is too costly, but Ryan Raburn has been a topic of conversation with the team. However, the Tigers are loaded with outfielders, so it is still unlikely for them to add any more outfielders in the offseason.

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The other important position player that needs to be healthy in 2016 is Jose Iglesias. Fenech also reported that he is also training at 100%. This is also good news as he and Ian Kinsler make a fantastic middle-infield team. However, do not expect Dixon Machado to go away anytime soon because of the tendency for Iglesias to suffer frequent injuries.

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