Tigers slugger looks ready to return to active roster during injury rehab assignment

The Detroit Tigers have managed to weather an early-season injury storm in exceptional fashion, but one of their key players is on the mend and could be rejoining the team in short order.

Utility man Matt Vierling, who opened the 2025 season on the injured list with a right rotator cuff strain, began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo over the weekend and didn't appear any worse for wear. On Tuesday, he launched an opposite field home run in the first inning to give Toledo an early lead in what would eventually be a 5-4 win over Iowa.

While the solo homer has been his only hit through two games with Toledo, Vierling has also shown tremendous discipline and racked up four walks in seven trips to the plate. He has only appeared in games so far as a designated hitter for Toledo, and it may be a few more games before he gets a start at any of the numerous other positions he can play; but Vierling is showing some positive signs that he could be ready to join the Tigers sooner rather than later.

Tigers slugger Matt Vierling looks MLB ready during injury rehab assignment

Even without Vierling, the Tigers have managed to open the 2025 season with an American League-best 22-13 record. Still, the veteran utility man could provide some much-needed depth to a roster that has been largely depleted by injuries.

Vierling's defensive versatility and right-handed bat could go a long way toward shoring up a Tigers roster in need of defensive depth and some more pop at the plate. In 2024, he posted a solid .257 average with 16 home runs, 57 RBI and six stolen bases across 567 plate appearances.

Vierling was initially expected to see the bulk of his starts at third base for the Tigers this season after struggling rookie Jace Jung was sent down to begin the campaign at Triple-A. Additional injuries to their outfield, however – including Wenceel Pérez, Parker Meadows, Manuel Margot and Kerry Carpenter – have made it increasingly likely that Vierling could see some more time in the outfield corners when he returns to Detroit.

The Tigers will be closely monitoring Vierling's recovery in Toledo, and an eventual transition back to outfield duties will indicate the final step in his rehab before he's ready to rejoin the big league squad.

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