Detroit Tigers' Matt Vierling gets 'best-case scenario' news about right shoulder injury
Detroit Tigers outfielder/third baseman Matt Vierling spent three months recovering from a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He returned to the big leagues for four games this season before reporting soreness, which sent him back to the injured list.
The 28-year-old is still dealing with a right shoulder injury that first surfaced in mid-February during spring training, but he expects to make a full recovery — without surgery.
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The latest scans revealed no structural damage.
"Absolutely best-case scenario," said Vierling, who will start his throwing progression Sunday, June 8, at Comerica Park. "I was nervous. Luckily, the news came back — nothing serious."
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Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling (8) drives in two runs during an at-bat in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park in Detroit on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
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The Tigers had Vierling active for four days, from May 23-26, following nearly three weeks of games on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues.
He aggravated his shoulder again on Memorial Day.
An MRI revealed inflammation.
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Soon after that, Vierling visited Dr. Keith Meister — the head team physician for the Texas Rangers, who specializes in elbows — in Arlington, Texas, seeking confirmation about the status of his right shoulder.
"Everything looks good," Vierling said.
He received an injection Thursday, June 5, to treat the inflammation in his shoulder.
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In 2024, Vierling had a career-best season. He hit .257 with 16 home runs in 144 games, posting a .735 OPS. He also made 32 starts in center field, 32 starts at third base, 20 starts in right field and six starts in left field.
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There isn't a timetable for Vierling's return to the Tigers, but the first step in the process is throwing before Sunday's game as part of his return to baseball activities.
"I'll build up from there based on how I'm feeling," Vierling said.
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Alex Cobb update
Right-hander Alex Cobb completed the second start of his rehab assignment in High-A West Michigan, returning from a right hip injury. The 37-year-old continues to take steps forward, even though he's still pitching through pain.
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He gave up one unearned run across 2⅔ innings on Friday, June 7, allowing two walks and recording two strikeouts. He threw 34 pitches, up from 24 pitches in his first rehab start.
"He felt incrementally better — by that, I think he means no worse," manager A.J. Hinch said. "He was happy that generally his stuff was coming out OK. He wasn't executing quite as well as he wants. I think he's just trying to get in this routine to see how much he can work his way back into both volume and quality."
Here's an important note: The Tigers have instructed Cobb to not exert himself on defense. For example, he isn't allowed to cover first base on ground balls to the right side of the infield.
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Cobb often appears to be in discomfort on the mound, grimacing when he completes his delivery.
"We'll just need to continue to put challenges in front of him," Hinch said. "I think he's happy with the small progress he's having. He wants bigger progress to happen. But hats off to him for continuing to fight."
Cobb is expected to make a third rehab start.
He signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Tigers in December 2024.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Matt Vierling injury update: 'Best-case scenario' for Detroit Tigers
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