Detroit Tigers: 3 players playing their way off the roster in spring training

INF Ryan Kreidler

Let me first say that I've never been that bullish on Kreidler. Even when he was hitting well in the minors in 2021, I took one look at this strikeout numbers and thought he wouldn't ever be more than a AAAA player. Early returns during a cup of coffee in the big leagues in 2022 suggest I was correct. But that was a very small sample, to be fair. It's also possible he was still battling a hand injury he suffered early last season. But so far in spring training, it's been more of the same.

Kreidler is really slick in the field. He's really smooth at shortstop, which does give him an advantage. None of his competiton for a roster spot has that ability, maybe with the exception of Zack Short. But he still just not a good hitter.

On the surface, his spring training numbers are solid. He's got an .829 OPS and .519 slugging percentage. But if you've watched any of his ABs, he's been pretty lucky. He's got a couple bloop doubles and some dribblers that have gotten through the infield. A lot of weak contact.

Again, I'm a bit biased because I've never been a believer in him, but I just don't see how he can make the roster when Zack Short and Andre Lipcius have been hitting as well as they have. Maybe I end up being wrong, which I certainly wouldn't be upset about, but I needless to say, I have my doubts.

LHP Tyler Alexander

Once thought to be a lock for the bullpen, Tyler Alexander has suddenly become in danger of being DFA'd. He has not looked good this spring. He has a modest 4.05 ERA as of this writing, but he's given up six hits and three runs while only striking out three in 6.2 IP. His velocity has also been down, hanging around 88-89 when he's usually 91-92.

The Tigers have several lefty options that have pitched better than Alexander, and could probably be better in his role. Tyler Holton, Chasen Shreve, and even Joey Wentz could be better in the role with better stuff than Alexander. I'm kind of shocked he's still here to begin with.

Even if he does make the team, I have a sneaking feeling he won't be here for long. If he's throwing 88 mph with no life like he has been this spring, then he's probably not long for this roster.