Updating the Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day Roster Projection

Mar 18, 2014; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) throws to first against the New York Mets in spring training action at Tradition Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

With just one week to go in Florida, and several injuries in the team’s wake, it’s time to take another look at how the Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day roster is shaping up. It’s going to be different than we envisioned when camp opened, but it still looks like one that can take the division, as long as the team can avoid another catastrophe.

Catcher

Nothing has changed here, thankfully, as both Alex Avila and Bryan Holaday will make the team. Avila will start most days — particularly against right-handed pitchers — with Holaday getting one or two starts a week in reserve — particularly against left-handed starters. We’ll maybe also see two or three starts behind the plate for Victor Martinez in National League stadiums.

First Base

It’s possible that Miguel Cabrera could make a handful of starts back at third base when the Tigers travel to National League stadiums, but he’s back to serving as the team’s primary first baseman where he’ll start 150 or more games. Cabrera will get a few days off here or there (maybe switching to DH those days) so we’ll see a bit of Victor Martinez at first base as well. Don Kelly will be the nominal third-stringer (as he is pretty much at every position).