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).

Mar 20, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Danny Worth (29) tosses a baseball to a fan during a game against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Second Base

After losing Omar Infante to free agency, the Tigers were able to trade Prince Fielder and his contract for everyday second baseman Ian Kinsler. He may no longer have the above-average power that he once had (especially in Comerica Park), but he’s a solid bat and plays solid defense. Steve Lombardozzi will back him up and make a handful of starts as well.

Shortstop

The Tigers really don’t have any good options here after losing Jose Iglesias to stress fracture in both legs, but they’ll make do with what they have for now. And for now that likely means a combination of Danny Worth and the recently acquired Andrew Romine. Eugenio Suarez and Hernan Perez were reportedly in the mix as well (still might be), but at this point in their respective careers the focus needs to be on regular playing time and development, and since they haven’t yet forced their way onto the team with their play, that will mean minor league assignments for now.

Romine is apparently a switch hitter, so perhaps Brad Ausmus will plan on some sort of 50-50 platoon with Worth to start the season. Not an ideal situation, but one that buys more time at the very least.

Third Base

There was a point in time that Nick Castellanos as the everyday third baseman — and all the unknowns that surround him — was one of the greater causes for concern on this team. That’s no longer the case, however, because of how he’s played and all the injuries at other positions. Steve Lombardozzi and/or Don Kelly could see playing time in reserve (as could Danny Worth).

Mar 11, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Don Kelly (32) is congratulated by center fielder Austin Jackson (14) after he hit a 2-run home run during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Left Field

With Andy Dirks on the shelf for the first two months (or more), and Rajai Davis still apparently penciled in for a platoon-only role, Don Kelly has become the favorite to fill in as the other half of the platoon. Maybe we’ll see an occasional start by Steve Lombardozzi as well. Brad Ausmus is apparently taking one last long-hard look at Tyler Collins (he’s getting the start on both Saturday and Sunday), but his making the team would mean someone else gets bumped off (probably either Kelly or Worth). I’m sticking with a projection of Kelly for now, but it’s possible Collins still hits his way onto the team

Center Field

Austin Jackson has the position locked down hard. He’ll be backed up on the depth chart by Don Kelly and Rajai Davis in whatever order you choose.

Right Field

The ageless Torii Hunter, obviously, will take almost all of the playing time in right field. Don Kelly, again, appears to be the primary backup.

Designated Hitter

Victor Martinez will be here for most of the games with Cabrera getting a handful of starts as well (with Martinez playing first base). it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing a meaningful number of games at DH for the Tigers this season.