Detroit Tigers: Players Who Just Missed Out on Opening Day Roster Who Could Appear This Season

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila added plenty of depth in the offseason. With the 2017 season underway, here are six players who didn’t make Detroit’s Opening Day squad who could contribute.

Detroit Tigers players opened the 2017 with an encouraging 6-3 win over the Chicago White Sox.

The Tigers by and large came away victorious thanks to an excellent outing – 10 strikeouts, six hits and two runs allowed in 6.1 innings—from Justin Verlander.

Ian Kinsler also started 2017 off on the right foot with a superb game, stuffing the stat sheet in the process.

The second baseman collected a pair of hits, two walks, two runs scored and an RBI in three at-bats.

While both veterans were key, and will continue to be essential all season, the Tigers will need all hands on deck this season.

This means starters down in the batting order producing, as well as bench and depth pieces performing at a high level.

Detroit already has started to benefit in 2017, with JaCoby Jones turning in a strong Opening Day.

The young center fielder took Chicago ace Jose Quintana deep in his first at-bat of the season, before stealing a base later in the game.

If players like Jones, Mikie Mahtook, James McCann and Dixon Machado can all improve in 2017, the Tigers will be in a good place.

What’s more, if depth pieces like Blaine Hardy can come in and contribute, it will go a long ways towards Detroit making it back to the playoffs.

Here are some players who just missed out on the Opening Day roster who could play a role for the Detroit Tigers in 2017.