Parker Meadows (and doctor) provide update on return timetable for Tigers

With Opening Day just two weeks away, it's crunch time for the Detroit Tigers and outfielder Parker Meadows.

The 25-year-old has been shut down from all baseball activities for almost three weeks with a mysterious nerve issue in his right arm, and he could be ruled out for Opening Day if he doesn't return to Grapefruit League action within the next few days. Meadows spoke with reporters Wednesday morning at spring training to provide an update on his recovery from what he identified as an injury to the musculocutaneous nerve, which impacts his ability to throw.

"Still a little numb on the forearm, but I think it's definitely tolerable," Meadows said (via Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press). "Might be something I have to fight through because the strength is still there."

Meadows also shared that he has been hitting and doing some glove work while he waits for the nerve to wake up. Manager AJ Hinch later clarified, however, that Meadows hasn't been swinging the bat at full speed and that he's "not close" to being ready for game action.

Fortunately, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Schulz told Petzold last week that, while Meadows' return timeline remains unclear, the injury to the musculocutaneous nerve doesn't indicate any permanent damage. The nerve could take anywhere from days to months to reactivate, though, causing Meadows and the Tigers to remain in a holding pattern.

Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows remains optimistic about Opening Day availability

Despite the uncertainty around his recovery timeline, Meadows told reporters that he remains optimistic that he will be ready for Opening Day on March 27 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the meantime, however, the Tigers must move forward with contingency plans.

Meadows hit .244 with nine home runs across 82 games in 2024, including hitting .299 with seven homers and an .857 OPS in his final 50 games after changing his swing mechanics in Triple-A Toledo, but his defensive ability in center field will be the most challenging for the Tigers to replace.

In addition to Meadows, Detroit also has two other center field options – Matt Vierling (right shoulder strain) and Wenceel Pérez (low back tightness) – on the spring injury report. Vierling has been ruled out for Opening Day, and Pérez hasn't played in over a week, resulting in left fielder Riley Greene getting some looks at center field during Grapefruit League games.

Regarding Meadows' injury, a lot can change between now and March 27; and the Tigers are going to hope that it does.

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