Why Detroit Tigers' Matt Vierling expects to stay healthy in 2nd return from IL
The 28-year-old played just four games between his first and second placements on the injured list.
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This time, Vierling expects to stay healthy.
"I feel way better," Vierling said before Saturday's game. "I felt pretty ready after that first IL stint, but I think now, my arm is in really good shape to withstand more of the toll that the season takes. I've made more high-intensity throws this past IL stint, so I've built myself up even more to handle the throws that it takes, plus the pain and soreness has been alleviated."
ON THE OTHER END: Tigers option Trey Sweeney to Triple-A Toledo as Matt Vierling returns from injury
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.
The Tigers expect the same — because it's what they're hearing from Vierling. To open a roster spot for Vierling, the Tigers optioned shortstop Trey Sweeney to Triple-A Toledo after he hit .221 in 70 games.
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"He's more confident, which helps," manager A.J. Hinch said before Saturday's game. "The player is really the one that knows how he feels the best. We can measure a lot of different things, but the reality of it is the player is the one who knows he has to make the throws."
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GOOD NEWS: Tigers' Matt Vierling gets 'best-case scenario' news about right shoulder injury
The shoulder injury has been a problem for Vierling since the beginning of spring training, all the way back in mid-February. It's been something he has dealt with for more than 125 days.
The first injury was diagnosed as a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder, whereas the second injury was described as inflammation in his right shoulder.
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"I was terrified that it was something worse," said Vierling, who hadn't played for the Tigers since May 26. "You start feeling it again — it wasn't necessarily the same as what I felt before because throwing was pretty much fine but moving it around just didn't feel great. I think that everybody was concerned."
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In 2025, Vierling has played a total of 22 games — 18 games on rehab assignments in the minor leagues and four games with the Tigers in the big leagues.
He hit .182 (2-for-11) with zero walks and one strikeout in four games for the Tigers. He also hit .206 (13-for-63) with two home runs, 10 walks and 24 strikeouts in 18 games on rehab assignments, including 16 games for Triple-A Toledo.
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For the Tigers, Vierling will play third base and all three outfield positions.
"It strengthens our lineup some days, it strengthens our bench on other days, sometimes both," Hinch said. "We're going to continue to use our entire roster, not only the guys who are active, but also down to Triple-A. It will be a shared experience for everybody."
Parker Meadows sits
In Saturday's game, center fielder Parker Meadows opened the game on the bench as a product of Vierling's return from the injured list — and his struggles at the plate.
The 25-year-old is hitting .181 with a .582 OPS in 21 games this season.
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He is getting fooled by breaking balls.
"We're really trying to make a determination on just how much of this is due to the fact that we're at the very beginning of the season," Hinch said, referencing Meadows' upper arm nerve injury that sidelined him for three months. "What is the cue to get him to click and be not only on time for the fastball, but adjust to the secondary pitches? ... We've see when he gets his timing, watch out, because he can be an offensive threat anywhere I hit him."
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Matt Vierling injury update: Tigers OF/3B to stay healthy this time
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