JACOBY JONES

But all of that will be water under the bridge if Riley Greene works out. Previously: Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, corner outfielders. He’s played plenty of center field and could be a summer call-up option if the Tigers need an extra outfielder. CENTER FIELDERS IN THE SYSTEMOn the 40-man roster: Akil Baddoo, Riley Greene, Parker Meadows, Matt Vierling. Most starts in center field for Tigers through the years2013: Austin Jackson2014: Austin Jackson2015: Anthony Gose2016: Cameron Maybin2017: Mikie Mahtook2018: Leonys Martin2019: JaCoby Jones2020: JaCoby Jones2021: Akil Baddoo2022: Riley Greene

Daz Cameron’s incredible catch in center field on Sunday was worth more than just an out. The Detroit Tigers center field stole a two-run home run from the Guardians’ Amed Rosario and turned it into two outs by doubling up baserunner Austin Hedges as he raced back to first. The catch against the wall -- which displayed timing that was even more impressive than the leap itself -- was named MLB’s Play of the Week. At the plate, Cameron went 2-for-3 and drove in a run in the Tigers’ 4-2 win over the Guardians. He’s starting in center again on Monday as the Tigers open a three-game series in Minnesota against the Twins.

Detroit Tigers second-year outfielder Akil Baddoo was the latest player to learn that tough lesson when he was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Monday. Perhaps if the Tigers were 10 games above .500 instead of 10 games below, they might have had more patience. Candelario had spent all of 2018 as an everyday player, but the Tigers opted to give his at-bats -- at least temporarily -- to Dawel Lugo. Mahtook came back to play later in 2018 and even briefly in 2019, but his days as an everyday player were over. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)APMay 2016: Anthony GoseGose was the Tigers’ everyday center fielder in 2015 and was expected to share time with new acquisition Cameron Maybin in 2016.

Hinch’s first Detroit Tigers’ team won’t be on his second. A dozen players from last year’s Opening Day roster are still here in 2022. Year-to-year roster turnover is normal in baseball, so the Tigers’ changes aren’t exceptional. Here’s a look at last year’s Opening Day roster and where they are today:On Tigers’ 2022 Opening Day roster (12): Miguel Cabrera, Jeimer Candelario, Harold Castro, Jonathan Schoop, Akil Baddoo, Robbie Grossman, Victor Reyes, Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Gregory Soto, Michael Fulmer, Tyler Alexander. RELATED: How the 2022 Tigers’ roster was built: Where they’re from and how they got here

Who are some of the "fun" Detroit Tigers players who have helped us get through the last five years of rebuilding?

Former Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones is staying in the American League Central Division. Jones has signed a minor-league contract with the Kansas City Royals, the club announced Wednesday. Jones, 29, elected free agency after a frustrating 2021 season with the Tigers. He began the year as Detroit’s everyday center fielder but in a span of a couple months lost his job, lost his roster spot and was put on waivers. Unclaimed by any other club, he accepted an assignment to Triple-A Toledo rather than forfeit the remainder of his $2.65 million salary.

A veteran reliever who was part of the Detroit Tigers’ last playoff team in 2014 has announced his retirement. A native of Mexico, Soria pitched in parts of 14 seasons for nine different clubs. He was a part of two consequential trades for the Tigers. Jones played in parts of six seasons for the Tigers before losing his job and his roster spot in 2021. Soria ultimately banked an estimated $72.8 million in his career, according to Baseball Reference, by being a reliable reliever for a lot of years and a lot of clubs.

JaCoby Jones’ six-year tenure in the Detroit Tigers organization ended last month with little fanfare. On Oct. 6, shortly after the end of the regular season, Jones elected free agency. It was a quiet end to a frustrating season for Jones, who started the spring as the club’s everyday center fielder. Baseball can be a cruel game and hitting is an art that can be discovered, lost, rediscovered and lost again seemingly overnight. Jones’ career was on the brink in May of 2019 when he began the season in a slump very similar to the one that curtailed his career in 2021.

Two local drivers top the season points standings at Flat Rock Speedway.

DETROIT -- Two Detroit Tigers outfielders are on the brink of returning from injury. Although not impossible, it seems unlikely that the Tigers can fit both players onto the roster as currently constructed. The Tigers currently have four outfielders: Robbie Grossman, Akil Baddoo, Daz Cameron and Nomar Mazara. In addition to Cameron, Hill and Reyes, there are several viable candidates off the 40-man roster. Hill, Cameron and Haase are all right-handers.

DETROIT -- When the Detroit Tigers finally return to the playoffs, how many players on the current team will still be here? Tigers general manager Al Avila, speaking to reporters on Friday, said the first wave -- Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and others -- has arrived, while the second wave -- Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and others -- is nearing. “But there’s plenty of guys on this team that you can say there’s a nucleus of guys to build around,” Avila said. We’re going to define “nucleus” fairly broadly to describe players the Tigers would like to be back in 2022 and maybe beyond. Whether that day arrives in 2022 depends on how good the Tigers are -- and how good they aspire to be.

DETROIT -- Outfielder JaCoby Jones will remain in the Detroit Tigers organization. Jones, designated for assignment on Sunday, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday. Jones had already been demoted to Toledo and was playing for the Mud Hens when he was DFA’d in order to clear space on the 40-man roster to add another pitcher. Jones was hitting just .170 with a .460 OPS in 105 plate appearances with the big-league club. Jones has also struggled to get on track with the Mud Hens.

DETROIT -- There was an air of finality to the Detroit Tigers’ decision on Sunday to designate longtime outfielder JaCoby Jones for assignment. Jones wasn’t the first to be nudged aside in 2021, and he won’t be the last. Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris (44) watches a pitch during their MLB game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park in Detroit, on Thursday, April 1, 2021. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comFree agents after this seasonThe Tigers will listen to offers for each and every player listed below. Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matthew Boyd throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Thursday, May 27, 2021, in Detroit.

The Detroit Tigers placed right-hander Michael Fulmer on the 10-day injured list Sunday with a right shoulder strain.

Tony La Russa moved into second on baseball’s career manager wins list, snapping a tie with John McGraw by directing the Chicago White Sox to a 3-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

The Detroit Tigers have designated outfielder JaCoby Jones for assignment, removing him from the 40-man roster. The move was made so the Tigers could add right-handed pitcher Jason Foley to the 40-man roster and bring him to the big leagues. Although the Tigers could seek to trade him to another club, it’s more likely that his status will resolved through waivers. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (40)Players in bold are on the 26-man active roster. * on the 10-day Major League injured list** on the 7-day minor-league injured listRight-handed pitcher Julio Teheran (right shoulder strain) is on the 60-day injured list, which removes him from the 40-man roster .

DETROIT -- Two weeks ago, the Detroit Tigers considered sending slumping outfielder JaCoby Jones to Triple-A Toledo. “I don’t think he’s a Triple-A player. We send Victor down, he does well, kind of gets his mojo back.”Reyes replaced Jones on the roster and was starting for the Tigers in center field on Monday night. Jones, 29, had been mired in a season-long slump that went all the way back to spring training. Hinch said although Jones doesn’t appreciate it now, this could end up being the best move for him.

Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch explains the team's decision to call up Victor Reyes from Triple-A Toledo and send JaCoby Jones to the minors.

DETROIT -- Two years ago this month, JaCoby Jones saved his career. He has 1,195 career plate appearances over parts of six seasons. On May 13, 2019, Jones was hitting just .151 with 30 strikeouts in 96 plate appearances. Over the course of his career to that point, he had just a .584 OPS in 745 plate appearances. He struck out in 33.4 percent of his plate appearances and walked in just 5.2 percent.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Victor Reyes will get another stint in the majors after an 11-game hitting streak in Triple-A this month.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have optioned struggling outfielder JaCoby Jones to Triple-A Toledo. The team announced the move late Sunday after the Tigers landed in Detroit following a six-game road trip. The Tigers recalled outfielder Victor Reyes to take Jones’ spot on the roster. Outfielders (7): Akil Baddoo, Daz Cameron, Robbie Grossman, Derek Hill, JaCoby Jones, Nomar Mazara, Victor Reyes. * on the 10-day Major League injured list** on the 7-day minor-league injured listRight-handed pitcher Julio Teheran (right shoulder strain) is on the 60-day injured list, which removes him from the 40-man roster .

Miguel Cabrera hit two home runs, including a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning, to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-5 win over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium. Cabrera’s big hit came with two strikes and two outs in the seventh against Royals reliever Greg Holland. pic.twitter.com/7mSC3Y8uux — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 22, 2021The Tigers’ four-run seventh came right after the Royals scored three in the sixth. The Tigers are playing the Royals (20-23) for the first time since sweeping them 10 days ago in Detroit. Up next: The Tigers play the Royals again on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. Tigers lefty Matthew Boyd (2-4, 2.45 ERA) will face Royals right-hander Brady Singer (1-3, 3.96).

Those Tigers were 18-22 after losing to the Houston Astros on the evening of May 14, 2019. At the 40-game mark in 2019, Dixon and Rodriguez were in the midst of Akil Baddoo-like stretches. Everyone wants to believe the last four losing seasons have served some higher purpose, that the 2019 season was a rock-bottom from which the Tigers would inevitably rise. What if the real truth is that the Tigers are no closer than they were on this date in 2019? Maybe the Tigers will be so encouraged by their strong summer that they’ll opt to retain their best players rather than trade them.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers optioned rookie right-hander Alex Lange to Triple-A Toledo after Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Cubs. They are expected to activate catcher Wilson Ramos from the 10-day injured list. Ramos, was been placed on the injured list with a lumbar spine strain on May 7. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (40)Players in bold are on the 26-man active roster. * on the 10-day Major League injured list** on the 7-day minor-league injured listRight-handed pitcher Julio Teheran (right shoulder strain) is on the 60-day injured list, which removes him from the 40-man roster .

Harold Castro hit an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning off Craig Kimbrel to give the Detroit Tigers a 9-8 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Jeimer Candelario delivered a long three-run home run to right field in the 10th inning to give the Tigers a hard-earned 6-5 win over the Red Sox, snapping a six-game losing streak.

Jeimer Candelario blasted a three-run home run in the 10th inning to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox Wednesday night at Fenway Park. After failing to score six runs in 17 consecutive games, the Tigers have now done so in back-to-back games against the Red Sox (18-13). The Red Sox had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the ninth when they loaded the bases with two outs against Tigers reliever Gregory Soto. The Red Sox tied the game in the seventh when Tigers reliever Bryan Garcia gave up a two-run homer to former Tiger J.D. Up next: The Tigers and Red Sox (18-13) wrap up their three-game series on Thursday at 1:10 p.m. Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull (1-2, 4.50 ERA) will face Red Sox right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (4-2, 3.63).

Hinch answered a question about whether outfielders JaCoby Jones or Victor Reyes were feeling some heat this week. We’re all replaceable,” said Hinch, who opted to answer the question more broadly rather than address Jones and Reyes specifically. The Tigers could end up keeping both players even after Mazara returns. Jones and Reyes still have a few days to show that they have no need for a Toledo tune-up. “(What you do with) the opportunities that you’re given at this level define what opportunities are next for you,” Hinch said.

Robbie Grossman was one of a trio of Detroit Tigers who produced at the plate, but they lost, 11-7, to Boston for their 16th loss in 18 games.

Jameson Taillon earned his first win in exactly two years, Aaron Judge had three hits and three RBIs, and the New York Yankees beat the Detroit Tigers 6-4.

DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers manager A.J. For all those reasons and more, it’s likely the Tigers will hold off on any major decisions at least until mid-May. Detroit Tigers catcher Grayson Greiner plays catch during a workout in Lakeland, Fla., on Feb. 17, 2021. (Allison Farrand / Detroit Tigers) (Photo used by permission from Detroit Tigers)2. Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones makes a catch for an out on a fly ball from Kansas City Royals' Hanser Alberto during the second inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Saturday, April 24, 2021.

DETROIT -- Over the long haul, few will remember the Detroit Tigers’ series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates unless the game marks the difference between the No. But in the short term, the game illustrated how a couple of bounces here and there make the difference between a good series and a bad one. Niko Goodrum, JaCoby Jones, Victor Reyes, Harold Castro and Grayson Greiner are all striking out at greater than a 30-percent clip. “Niko’s a talented player and certainly can impact the game,” Hinch said. “There’s a lot of talk at times of what doesn’t do or the swing and miss or anything like that.

Phillip Evans kept Akil Baddoo’s drive to left field in the park in the seventh inning to help Pittsburgh escape a jam, and the Pirates scored twice in the eighth to beat the Detroit Tigers 4-2.

The Pittsburgh Pirates hit two bouncers that found holes in the infield to score two go-ahead runs in the eighth inning and beat the Tigers 4-2 at Comerica Park. The Pirates (9-10) took two of three from the Tigers (7-12), who have lost six of their last seven. “(The Pirates) put the ball in play, and that’s kind of the difference in this series,” said Tigers manager A.J. “They put the ball in play at critical moments and got some hits. Up next: The Tigers (7-12) open up a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals (10-7) on Friday at 7:10 p.m. at Comerica Park.

The Detroit Tigers placed outfielder Nomar Mazara on the 10-day injured list with a left abdominal strain on Thursday afternoon. The Tigers have recalled right-handed reliever Joe Jimenez to replace him. The Tigers opted against bringing up another outfielder to replace Mazara because they already have plenty. Outfielders (7): Akil Baddoo, Daz Cameron, Robbie Grossman, Derek Hill, JaCoby Jones, Nomar Mazara*, Victor Reyes. * on the 10-day injured listRight-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull is on the COVID-related injury list, which temporary removes him from the 40-man roster.

DETROIT -- Did you have any doubt that Akil Baddoo would be in the starting lineup in Wednesday’s series finale against the Minnesota Twins? The Tigers rookie phenom will start in left field and bat seventh when the Tigers (3-2) and Twins (3-2) play at 1:10 p.m. at Comerica Park. The Tigers have lefty Matthew Boyd on the hill. Miguel Cabrera will start at first base for the second consecutive game, with Nomar Mazara serving as designated hitter. Off the bench, the Tigers will have outfielder JaCoby Jones; infielders Harold Castro and Niko Goodrum; and backup catcher Grayson Greiner.

Miguel Cabrera homered through the snow in his first at-bat of the season, then added a sparkling play at first base to lift the Detroit Tigers to a 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

The Detroit Tigers have released their starting lineup for Opening Day against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park.

Spring training stats: .268/.333/.415 (.748 OPS), 1 HR, 3 2B, 4 BB, 9 SO in 18 games. Spring training stats: .225/.250/.400 (.650 OPS), 2 HR, 1 2B, 1 BB, 11 SO in 16 games. Spring training stats: .179/.281/.250 (.531 OPS), 0 HR, 2 2B, 4 BB, 8 SO in 11 games. Spring training stats: .341/.388/.432 (.820 OPS), 0 HR, 2 2B, 3 BB, 6 SO in 18 games. Spring training stats: .319/.360/.596 (.956 OPS), 3 HR, 2 2B, 1 BB, 8 SO in 19 games.

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers sent prospect Isaac Paredes to minor league camp this week, scrambling the starting infield with Opening Day less than a week away. Robbie Grossman, LFSpring stats: .243/.364/.486 (.850 OPS), 2 HR, 3 doubles, 6 walks, 11 strikeouts in 37 at-bats. AdSince the day the Tigers signed Grossman, he’s felt like the best fit atop the lineup. Well, this spring he’s strengthened that case with a .364 on-base percentage. 8 slot behind Wilson Ramos, but so far this spring, Hinch has had him above the catcher in the lineup.

C Wilson RamosConfidence: LockRole: Starting catcherThere’s a legitimate three-way battle to back up Ramos, but everyone knows who the starter will be. AdSS Willi CastroConfidence: LockRole: Starting shortstopThere are going to be some defensive miscues, especially on the throw. As a result, the Tigers will have an extra roster spot to play with -- that’s why there will be 27 names on this list. He bet on himself and won, allowing just three runs while striking out 15 batters in 11 spring innings. If we’re being honest, a conversation about Baddoo as a starter feels more justified than a conversation about earning a roster spot.

Harris has a blood clot in his right arm and is leaving spring training camp to be examined by a specialist, manager Dave Martinez said Friday, March 19, 2021. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via AP)Washington Nationals reliever Will Harris has a blood clot in his right arm and the team doesn't expect him to be in the bullpen on opening day. Carlos Martínez struggled in his fourth start for St. Louis. DODGERS 7, RANGERS 2Julio Urías made his fourth start for Los Angeles, allowing two hits in four shutout innings, striking out three. Adrian Houser made his fourth start.

DETROIT – What in the world are the Detroit Tigers going to do in the outfield this season? AdGrossman has a career on-base percentage of .350 and posted an .826 OPS during the shortened 2020 season. JaCoby Jones #21 of the Detroit Tigers looks on against the Chicago White Sox on August 19, 2020 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. In his first four MLB seasons from 2016-2019, Mazara hit 20, 20, 20 and 19 home runs with an OPS between .739 and .786 -- rising slightly each season. DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 20: Victor Reyes #22 of the Detroit Tigers flies out against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Comerica Park on September 20, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan.

LAKELAND, Fla. -- In 2018, JaCoby Jones was by some measures the best defensive outfielder in all of baseball. Since then, he’s looked like one of the Tigers’ most polished hitters, but questions have cropped up about defensive value. If 10 percent of outfielders would make a similar catch, Jones gains 0.9 points. Derek Hill is probably the best defensive outfielder in the Tigers’ system, but he’s yet to hit at any level. The best-case scenario is that Jones is both a great hitter and a great center fielder in 2021.

The two-time AL Central champion Twins are hoping Happ can give them a veteran presence at the back of their rotation. Ian Anderson pitched two scoreless innings, allowing three hits and a walk. Houston piggy-backed a pair of starters with Framber Valdez yielding McNeil's homer in the first two innings, striking out two. AdBLUE JAYS 4, PHILLIES 2 (6)Steven Matz allowed a hit in two scoreless innings, striking out three without a walk. CUBS 3, ROYALS 2 (7)Outfielder Rafael Ortega, who signed a minor league deal with Chicago after playing 34 games for Atlanta last season, hit a bases-loaded triple.

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have reportedly signed former top 15 outfield prospect Nomar Mazara to a one-year major league deal. Mazara gets $1.75M plus incentives on Tigers MLB deal — Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 12, 2021In five seasons since debuting as a 20-year-old in 2016, Mazara has been a very average MLB hitter, slashing .258/.318/.426 (.744 OPS). AdLast season, Mazara got just 149 plate appearances with the Chicago White Sox, partly because of injuries and partly because of roster depth in Chicago. Mazara is the fourth offensive signing the Tigers have made at the MLB level this offseason. AdDetroit also signed Renato Nunez and Greg Garcia to minor league deals, with invitations to MLB spring training.

A year ago we asked which of the Tigers’ young center field prospects would step up in 2020. TIGERS IN 2021: This is the fourth in a series of profiles on the Detroit Tigers’ organizational depth heading into the 2021 season. (Photo courtesy Minnesota Twins)Brace HemmelgarnOn the 40-man roster: Akil Baddoo, JaCoby Jones, Derek Hill. Detroit Tigers outfielder JaCoby Jones (21) looks on during their summer training camp at Comerica Park in Detroit, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. The Tigers and other MLB teams are working out in effort to start their 2020 season in late July.

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers made a trio of free agent signings over the last month to fill holes in the everyday lineup, but there are still many questions about the starting nine. Cron at first base, Schoop at second base, Jeimer Candelario at third base and Niko Goodrum at shortstop. AdOf his 50 games started last season, Reyes hit leadoff in 34 of them. Isaac Paredes #19 of the Detroit Tigers bats during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 18, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Whether that means he’ll get chances at first base, third base or elsewhere remains to be seen.

Home-field advantage in the playoffs is overrated for Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who has found that the road to success in the postseason usually involves packing his bags and getting the heck out of Baltimore. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, FIle)Home-field advantage in the playoffs is overrated for Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who has found that the road to success in the postseason usually involves packing his bags and getting the heck out of Baltimore. In fact, Harbaugh has a better road record in the playoffs (8-5) than at home (2-2). For Harbaugh and the Ravens, there's nothing like a good old road trip in January. Asked to explain his ascent to the top of the list of road wins for an NFL coach, Harbaugh came up empty.

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers tendered contracts to all nine of their arbitration-eligible players Wednesday, meaning they will all return for the 2021 season. READ: Detroit Tigers hire University of Michigan’s Chris Fetter as new pitching coachBy tendering contracts to these players, the Tigers will now negotiate salaries for the 2021 season. Last season, the Tigers won an arbitration hearing with Fulmer, who filed for $3.4 million but ultimately earned $2.8 million for the season. Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer throws during an intrasquad baseball game, Wednesday, July 8, 2020, in Detroit. Jeimer Candelario #46 of the Detroit Tigers bats against the Chicago Cubs at Comerica Park on August 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Detroit Tigers announced Wednesday that they had offered 2021 contracts to all nine of their arbitration-eligible players. Wednesday was the deadline for teams to “tender” contracts to those players, who generally have more than three years but fewer than six years of Major League service time. Players who are not offered a contract are said to be “non-tendered.” They become free agents and can sign with any team. In recent years, the Tigers non-tendered catcher James McCann and relievers Alex Wilson and Bruce Rondon. The nine players should cost the Tigers roughly $20 million in 2021.

The Detroit Tigers have nine arbitration-eligible players and, in a normal year, it’s likely that all nine of them would be back in 2021. Players who are not offered a contract are said to be “non-tendered.” They become free agents and can sign with any team. Here’s a closer look at the Tigers’ arb-eligible players with their predicted 2021 salaries using three different methods from MLB Trade Rumors (explained in greater deal here). (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comGROUP 2Players who will be non-tendered if the Tigers see them merely as easily replaceable, league-minimum-type players. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)APGROUP 3Players who will be non-tendered if the Tigers believe their salary in 2021 will no longer be commensurate with their projected role.

The Detroit Tigers' 58-game season doesn’t seem like it would offer much in the way of “plays of the year." But there were actually plenty to choose from, and the Tigers' social media team picked out their eight favorites for a week-long vote. #DetroitRoots pic.twitter.com/rLBG977Y3e — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) October 6, 2020You can make your choices on the Tigers’ Twitter account, with a new matchup every day or so. I’ll vote that as play of the year, decade, century, whatever. This wasn’t so much a play as a “performance," so maybe it doesn’t belong in this category.

DETROIT – As ugly as the final 25 games were for the Detroit Tigers, the shortened 2020 season went about as well as anyone could have hoped. Candelario finished the season in a 1-23 slump with six walks and 10 strikeouts, then landed on the 10-day injured list. But overall, his .297/.369/.503 season is much closer to what the Tigers hoped he would become. Willi Castro #49 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with Daz Cameron #41 after a 5-2 win over the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on September 19, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. Gregory Soto #65 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Comerica Park on July 31, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan.

DETROIT Tuesday should have been a celebratory night for the Detroit Tigers. But it was also a costly one, because they lost starting center fielder JaCoby Jones for the rest of the season. But bad luck struck again Tuesday, when Milwaukee Brewers reliever Phil Bickford made his MLB debut and hit Jones in the hand. Derek Hill #29 of the Detroit Tigers runs the bases during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 11, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. During the Tigers recent 8-2 run, Jones was slashing just .250/.313/.321 with two doubles, two walks and 11 strikeouts.

Chicago Cubs' Willson Contreras hits a solo home run in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)DETROIT Jonathan Schoop hit a grand slam in a five-run sixth inning as the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago Cubs 7-1 on Tuesday night. The Tigers have won three of five since a nine-game losing streak dropped them out of serious postseason contention. Turnbull walked the leadoff hitter in the sixth but retired the next two before he was replaced by Bryan Garcia. The Tigers put the game away with five runs in the bottom of the sixth.

DETROIT The start of the 2020 season has gone better for the Detroit Tigers than anyone could have reasonably imagined. With a quarter of their season in the books, the Tigers are squarely in the middle of the playoff hunt. Casey Mize #74 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 6, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. JaCoby Jones #21 of the Detroit Tigers bats during game one of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at Comerica Park on August 2, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. In a 162-game season with 10 playoff teams, the Tigers wouldnt have a prayer of making the postseason.

PITTSBURGH Spencer Turnbull pitched seven strong innings and Miguel Cabrera singled home the tiebreaking run in the eighth as the Detroit Tigers edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Sunday to sweep the three-game series. After the Tigers posted 17-13 and 11-5 wins at PNC Park, the finale turned into a pitching duel. He also could be seen talking to himself between pitches at time, reminiscent of former Tigers pitcher Mark The Bird Fidrych. Pirates: Evans will miss the remainder of the season after being injured in a collision with RF Gregory Polanco on Saturday. UP NEXTTigers: Open a three-game series against the White Sox on Monday night in Detroit with RHP Michael Fulmer (0-0, 13.50) pitching against LHP Dallas Keuchel (1-0, 2.55).

Cron and Jeimer Candelario all hit home runs in the first inning against Pittsburghs Derek Holland as the Detroit Tigers drilled the Pirates 11-5 on Saturday. A night after a 17-13 win in 11 innings, Detroit came out swinging and sent the Pirates their ninth loss in their last 10 games. Nine of the Tigers' 16 hits went for extra bases. TRAINER'S ROOMPirates: Closer Keone Kela (COVID-19) pitched an inning of live batting practice but there remains no timetable for his return. Pirates: Joe Musgrove (0-3, 6.75) will attempt to bounce back after getting knocked around in a loss to Minnesota.

PITTSBURGH Niko Goodrum drove in five runs, two on a double in a big 11th inning that sent the Detroit Tigers over the Pittsburgh Pirates 17-13 in a startling slugfest on Friday night. Crazy stuff happened in that game, Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. Thats why we love to play it.Erik Gonzalez, batting ninth for the Pirates, drove in six runs. Tigers starter Matthew Boyd was tagged for seven runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Pirates: LHP Derek Holland (0-0, 4.76) is 1-2 with a 4.26 ERA in seven career starts against Detroit but has not faced the Tigers since 2017.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)DETROIT Trevor Bauer made short work of the Detroit Tigers, capping Major League Baseball's first seven-inning doubleheader with a shutout. We've had a tough time in these first ten days, and we've especially struggled against Detroit, Bell said. Bauer wasn't confirmed as the starter for the second game until he arrived at the park. At one point in the first game, Cincinnati starter Anthony DeSclafani forgot the teams were only playing seven innings. Tigers: Detroit has Monday off, then is scheduled to host four games in three days against the St. Louis Cardinals.

DETROIT Jonathan Schoop and Christin Stewart each hit a two-run homer in the third inning to lift the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night. Whit Merrifield launched a three-run shot in the top of the third for Kansas City, but the Tigers answered quickly and held on from there. There were a pair of blunders in the ninth on the same play when Detroit first baseman C.J. 'Kansas City starter Kyle Zimmer pitched two scoreless innings, then hit JaCoby Jones with a pitch to start the Detroit third. Kansas City recalled OF Nick Heath and RHP Jake Newberry.

Detroit Tigers' JaCoby Jones reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, Saturday, July 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI Miguel Cabrera passed two superstars with a homer Saturday night, and JaCoby Jones hit a two-run shot in the ninth off Raisel Iglesias, rallying the Detroit Tigers to a 6-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The two RBIs boosted Cabrera past Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and into 25th place on the career RBI list with 1,696. Reds: The Reds placed infielder Matt Davidson on the 10-day injured list after he tested positive for COVID-19 and put catcher Tucker Barnhart on the three-day paternity list. Reds: RHP Trevor Bauer (combined 11-13 in 2019 with Cleveland and Cincinnati) makes his 20th career start against Detroit.

CINCINNATI, Ohio The Detroit Tigers have released their starting lineup for their first game of the 2020 season against the Cincinnati Reds. Matt Boyd will make his first Opening Day start after establishing himself as the teams ace in 2019. The starting lineup is the one most expected:Niko Goodrum, SS Jonathan Schoop, 2B Miguel Cabrera, DH C.J. He wasnt a good fit with the New York Yankees but appears to be back to his ace form in Cincinnati. Despite finishing in fourth place last year, the Reds enter 2020 as the favorites in the NL Central.

DETROIT The Detroit Tigers revealed their final 30-man Opening Day roster for the 2020 season Thursday, just hours before the noon deadline. The Tigers had most of their roster figured out before the second round of spring training began, but there was still competition for the final bullpen and reserve spots. They had on-and-off moments throughout summer camp, and the Tigers could have gone with higher upside choices such as Shao-Ching Chiang or Nolan Blackwood. MORE: Did we see the Tigers Opening Day lineup on Tuesday? Greiner, Lugo and Mercer earned the final three spots over more exciting options such as Willi Castro and Derek Hill.

CINCINNATI, Ohio Are the Detroit Tigers offering a glimpse of their full Opening Day lineup today during their first exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds? LATEST: Daniel Norris cleared to rejoin Detroit Tigers after positive COVID-19 testAll nine of the teams presumed everyday starters are in the lineup for Tuesday nights game. Heres how the lineup breaks down:Niko Goodrum, SS Jonathan Schoop, 2B Miguel Cabrera, DH C.J. 2 and Cron at cleanup puts the teams two best hitters in the two most important lineup slots. The four new additions -- Schoop, Cron, Maybin and Romine -- give the Tigers much more power and depth throughout the lineup.

DETROIT The Detroit Tigers sent 19 players to their alternate training site in Toledo on Monday, leaving 37 players to battle for 30 Opening Day roster spots. READ: How will the Tigers fill their final rotation spots after the Jordan Zimmermann injury? Haase and Rogers were fighting for what figured to be two or three catcher spots on the roster. That means seven of these 13 players will also be sent to Toledo or the taxi squad, while six make the roster. Lets assume its 11, leaving four bullpen spots and two reserve spots open.

DETROIT It almost doesnt seem real, but one week from Friday is the start of what could be the strangest Detroit Tigers season ever. Roster makeupPredicting the roster for a team like the Tigers -- with so many unproven players fighting for jobs -- is tricky even in a normal year. READ: Here are the players included on the Detroit Tigers spring training rosterMLB expanded rosters by one spot before the pandemic, allowing teams to carry 26 players. He gave up way too many runs, but hes looked better in both spring training segments. Reyes was much better than Stewart during spring training in March, when the latter struggled to make any solid contact.

Victor Reyes, Harold Castro, Miguel Cabrera and JaCoby Jones figure to be in the starting lineup for the Detroit Tigers to open 2020. This might have been the worst season in Tigers history, though the 2003 team's record was worse. When Opening Day 2020 rolls around, the Tigers will likely field largely the same starting nine. Jones finished on nearly a 20-homer, 40-double pace while increasing his walks rate and cutting down slightly on the strikeouts. Brandon Dixon: Dixon led the Tigers with 15 home runs this season and added 20 doubles in 117 games.

This might have been the worst season in Tigers history, though the 2003 team's record was worse. When Opening Day 2020 rolls around, the Tigers will likely field largely the same starting nine. In 262 plate appearances as a leadoff hitter, Reyes posted a .340 OBP and .783 OPS this season. Jones finished on nearly a 20-homer, 40-double pace while increasing his walks rate and cutting down slightly on the strikeouts. Brandon Dixon: Dixon led the Tigers with 15 home runs this season and added 20 doubles in 117 games.

Jorge Soler #12 of the Kansas City Royals reacts after stealing second base in the seventh inning next to Niko Goodrum #28 of the Detroit Tigers. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)DETROIT - Mike Montgomery struck out a career-high 12 in seven innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 7-0 Saturday. The Tigers were trying to win three straight games for the first time since May 28-31, against the Orioles and Braves. Montgomery (2-5) picked up his first win of the year as a starter, allowing four singles without walking a batter. He recovered with time to throw out the bulky Viloria, but threw the ball into right field, allowing Soler and Bubba Starling to score.

Where should Travis Demeritte, Niko Goodrum, Jake Rogers and Christin Stewart bat for the Detroit Tigers the rest of the season? (Getty Images)DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers have been out of the playoff race for months already, but that doesn't mean they can't accomplish anything the rest of the season. The most important task remaining for the 2019 season is for the Tigers to figure out what they have in many of their young position players. Here's the lineup the Tigers should use for the rest of the season, as long as everyone stays healthy. OverviewNo matter what lineup the Tigers use, they're likely going to finish with the worst record in baseball this season.

DETROIT The Detroit Tigers have been out of the playoff race for months already, but that doesn't mean they can't accomplish anything the rest of the season. With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the Tigers know who's on the roster for the rest of 2019. Here's the lineup the Tigers should use for the rest of the season, as long as everyone stays healthy. Niko Goodrum #28 of the Detroit Tigers hits two run double against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 4, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. OverviewNo matter what lineup the Tigers use, they're likely going to finish with the worst record in baseball this season.

DETROIT (AP) Lucas Giolito didnt have his best stuff against the Detroit Tigers on Monday night. Giolito allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks in six innings, good enough to help the Chicago White Sox beat the Tigers 7-4. Thats a really good sign for a young pitcher, White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. The Tigers are last in the majors with 3.59 runs per game while the White Sox (4.12) are 28th. Tigers: Detroit placed Jordan Zimmermann on the 10-day injured list with cervical spasms and called up reliever Eduardo Jimenez.

Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers swings on his solo home run to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 in the 10th inning at Comerica Park on July 21, 2019. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)DETROIT - Nicholas Castellanos led off the bottom of the 10th inning with a home run, and the Detroit Tigers snapped their six-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The Tigers won for only the eighth time in their last 41 games - and this victory didn't come easily. Jeimer Candelario put Detroit up 2-1 with an RBI groundout in the third, and Jones hit his 10th homer of the year in the fifth. Tigers: Detroit has Monday off before two home games against Philadelphia.

(Photo by LeonDETROIT - Miguel Cabrera had three hits and three RBIs as the Detroit Tigers rallied twice and snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 7-5 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday. Anthony Rendon included a homer among his three hits for the Nationals, who had a four-game winning streak halted. Harold Castro, Jeimer Candelario and Goodrum each had two hits for the Tigers. Tigers: Jones returned to the lineup after sitting out a game because he fouled a ball off his foot on Thursday. Tigers: RHP Jordan Zimmermann (0-5, 5.95) will face his former team for the second time since leaving the Nationals after the 2015 season.