Full Detroit Tigers 2017 Opening Day roster

Detroit Tigers players begin another season on Monday, as the club opens up against the Chicago White Sox on the road in a divisional matchup. Here’s Detroit’s full Opening Day roster.

Detroit Tigers fans saw a relatively quiet offseason this past winter.

Despite the names of players routinely surfacing in trade rumors, Cameron Maybin was the only starter dealt.

Elsewhere the club added depth on the bench and at the minor league level, but that was about it.

Many of those depth pieces competed for places on the team in Spring Training. Now, with Grapefruit League play in the rearview mirror, we know what the Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster looks like.

Here’s the group heading to Chicago to open the 2017 regular season for the Tigers.

In terms of the rotation, Detroit will utilize the organization’s five best starters in Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Jordan Zimmermann, Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Anibal Sanchez step into the rotation and make a start here or there at some point, but for now, the Tigers will look elsewhere in terms of starters.

More from Motor City Bengals

• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?

Speaking of Sanchez, the veteran right-hander will take his talents to the bullpen.

He’s an ideal candidate to throw multiple innings per outing and save the rest of the group if a blowout occurs.

The former Marlins standout will be joined by fellow right-handers Shane Greene, Bruce Rondon and Alex Wilson.

Meanwhile, southpaws Justin Wilson and Kyle Ryan will also provide manager Brad Ausmus with additional set up options.

All told, the group will look to act as a bridge between the starters and standout closer Francisco Rodriguez, who enters his second season at the back of Detroit’s bullpen.

Position Players

In terms of position players, it is a very familiar group for Detroit Tigers fans.

Alex Avila returns to the organization after a stint with the White Sox. He’ll back up returning starter James McCann, who is quietly developing into one of the game’s elite defensive backstops.

Must Read: Significance of a Jordan Zimmermann Bounce-Back Season

Elsewhere, the rest of Detroit’s starting infield returns.

Miguel Cabrera remains entrenched at first base, while Nick Castellanos will continue to start at third base.

Up the middle, Jose Iglesias and Ian Kinsler team to form one of the best double-play duos in the league.

Former top prospect Dixon Machado and super-sub Andrew Romine give Ausmus two quality fielders to turn to off the bench.

Outfielders

Moving to the outfield, JaCoby Jones will take over in center field for the since-departed Maybin, while Justin Upton will once again receive the lion’s share of the starts in left field.

With J.D. Martinez on the disabled list, the Tigers will rely on Tyler Collins and Mikie Mahtook in right field.

The Designated Hitter

Next: Where the Tigers Sit in Our Latest Power Rankings

Last, but certainly not least is designated hitter Victor Martinez. The veteran slugger will be counted on to once again provide protection for Cabrera in the lineup.