Victor Martinez To Start for Detroit Tigers in Friday’s Spring Opener

Oct 13, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) hits an RBI-triple in the sixth inning of game five of the 2011 ALCS against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

John Lowe of the Detroit News has provided us with the Detroit Tigers’ starting lineup for Friday’s Grapefruit League opener:

1. Quintin Berry, CF2. Omar Infante, 2B3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B4. Prince Fielder, 1B5. Victor Martinez, DH6. Jhonny Peralta, SS7. Brayan Pena, C8. Avisail Garcia, RF9. Nick Castellanos, LF

We need to keep in mind that this is a spring training game – and the first one at that – so we’re not going to get an extremely long look at any of these guys. We’re only talking probably two or three at-bats each, and probably none of them will play the entire game.

That being said, there are still some interesting names to watch.

Of particular interest is Victor Martinez’s inclusion in the lineup. We’ve been told all along that he’d be ready to go, and it looks like that’s exactly the case. Martinez hasn’t faced live game pitching in over a year – the beginning might be slow for him – but he’ll be a big part of the Tigers’ lineup this year as they hope to get back to the World Series. We’re not looking for anything in particular from Martinez in this game – or even over the entire spring, he’s a professional – but having him out there and able to play on schedule is a great sign.

It will also be neat to get our first glimpses of the 2013 versions of Avisail Garcia and Nick Castellanos. Both are likely to start the season in the minor leagues, but the door has been opened for either of them to step up and seize the full-time left field position. Again, not likely to happen, but even the non-prospect watching fans will enjoy to track their progress this spring.

According to Lowe, Alex Avila and the “starting outfielders” (I take that to mean Austin Jackson, Torii Hunter, and Andy Dirks) will not make the trip and will not appear in this game.