Detroit Tigers News MCB Sunday Notes: Opening Day draws closer

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Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene looks on after hitting a triple against the New York Yankees. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers IL woes

Riley Greene, Derek Hill and reliever Andrew Chafin will start the season on the IL. Greene, who took a foul ball to the foot before hitting a triple against the Yankees, will be out with a broken right foot.

Hill is dealing with hamstring issues and Chafin is dealing with a groin issue. For the outfield depth concerns, Al Avila said they will likely stay within for replacements.

Al Avila said he was making calls on other outfielders but expects to fill the void left by Greene's injury from within. Derek Hill expected back in a couple of weeks
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) April 2, 2022

When speaking to the media, Avila said that Riley Greene was set to make the roster on Opening Day.

Tigers GM Al Avila said the team was heading towards announcing both Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene making the Opening Day roster - until Greene's injury.

"Riley wasn't doing anything to discourage us. Unfortunately, obviously the injury came at a bad time." pic.twitter.com/c1geDzycp5
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) April 3, 2022

If you are looking to see what is down in Toledo for outfield alternatives, here is how it projects to be:

Daz Cameron (on the 40-man roster)
Jacob Robson

Erie:

Eric De La Rosa

For now, it appears that Eric Haase and both Castros could see time rotating in the outfield. Akil Baddoo is starting in centerfield for today’s spring training game, so it is more than likely he will be the Opening Day centerfielder.

Speaking of which, Casey Mize takes the hill for Detroit today. Check out the piece this morning by Brandon Day of Bless You Boys.com on how dialed in Mize has looked and our own with Jacob Boes. During our podcast this week, we opened with Mize talking about his splitter on the “Toeing the Slab a pitching podcast with David Cone” on the Jomboy Media network.

Mize Day. pic.twitter.com/bWO5MXp0zp
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 3, 2022

In other news, right-hander Jacob Barnes was reassigned back to major league camp and is still in competition for a spot in the bullpen, which is the only position battle left in camp.

Random Detroit Tigers related links for the week:

Alex Lange and Miguel Cabrera make David Laurila’s Sunday Notes on FanGraphs
Former Detroit Tigers outfielder Justin Upton is cut by the Angels
Casey Mize on “Toeing the Slab, a pitching podcast with David Cone.”