Tigers Daily Report
March 28, 2026
Executive Summary
Framber Valdez made his debut start for the Tigers, and it was an impressive first impression. Third baseman Kevin McGonigle, the Tigers' heralded rookie, made a nice play on a slow grounder to start the game. The Tigers face a series-clinching opportunity tonight against the Padres.
Top Story
Valdez Impresses in Tigers Uniform, Encourages Struggling Rookie
Framber Valdez made his debut start for the Tigers, and it was an impressive first impression. Valdez went right over to McGonigle and patted him on the chest, the vet encouraging the rookie. Valdez, a left-hander who signed a three-year, $115-million contract this winter, was immediately rewarded with good karma, when Manny Machado hit into an inning-ending double play. The moment underscored the veteran mentorship on a Tigers roster built to contend immediately.
Source: The Detroit News
Around the Club
-
Game Recap — The 2026 campaign opened with a bang for the Detroit Tigers, who slugged their way to an 8-2 victory on Thursday afternoon inside Petco Park behind a breakout effort from Kevin McGoinigle in his MLB debut. Source: Bless You Boys
-
Catcher Standout — Dingler went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's 8-2 win over the Padres. Dingler got off to a slow start in camp following arthroscopic right elbow surgery in the offseason, but he heated up toward the end of Grapefruit League play and carried that momentum into Opening Day. The 27-year-old is expected to see the bulk of the playing time behind the plate for the Tigers. Source: Heavy Sports
-
Injuries — Beau Brieske is expected to miss until the end of May with a left adductor strain. Bailey Horn recently threw a bullpen session and is expected back in mid-April. Source: MLB.com
-
Prospects — Kevin McGonigle (MLB No. 2), JJ Wetherholt (MLB No. 5) and Carson Benge (MLB No. 16) will open the 2026 season as Major Leaguers, along with 17 other members of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list. Source: MLB.com
Quick Hits
- Michael King re-signed with the Padres in December on a three-year, $75 million deal after a breakout 2024 campaign in which he went 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA.
- The 32-year-old left-hander signed a three-year, $115 million contract in February — the highest average annual value ever for a left-handed pitcher — reuniting him with manager A.J. Hinch, who managed Valdez during their time together in Houston from 2018 to 2019.
- McGonigle, after going 4-for-5 in the opener, is manning third.
Next Game
The Motor City Kitties now have a chance to clinch a series win over the Pads with their biggest offseason acquisition on the mound: left-hander Framber Valdez. The 32-year-old from the Dominican Republic had spent all eight of his previous seasons with the Houston Astros, so he will be making his first-ever appearance in a different uniform on Friday night. San Diego Padres — 9:40 p.m. ET, Petco Park
Tigers Daily Report — March 28, 2026