Tigers Daily Report
March 25, 2026
Executive Summary
The Tigers topped the Rockies 11-8 on March 24 in their final spring training game, capping an eventful preseason that culminated with the finalization of the Opening Day roster on Tuesday with 26 players expected to be active Thursday against San Diego.
Top Story
McGonigle Makes Opening Day Roster as Tigers Finalize Spring Training
The Tigers placed No. 2 overall prospect Kevin McGonigle on their Opening Day roster, the club confirmed Tuesday. The 21-year-old shortstop produced a .250/.411/.477 slash line with two doubles, a triple, two homers, two steals and an 11:9 K:BB across 56 plate appearances during spring training. McGonigle will join a short list of Tigers to start on Opening Day before their 22nd birthday, a group that notably includes Hall of Famers Ty Cobb, Al Kaline, Alan Trammell and Harry Heilmann. Manager A.J. Hinch clarified that McGonigle "will play on the left side of the infield" and won't be at second base, staying at both short and third.
Source: MLB.com
Around the Club
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Roster — The Tigers optioned infielder Jace Jung and outfielders Trei Cruz and Wenceel Pérez to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday. Pérez, the 26-year-old early favorite to begin the season as Detroit's primary right fielder, will instead open the campaign in the minors after batting .158 (6-for-38) with no extra-base hits across 16 spring training games. Source: MLB.com
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Injuries — Pitcher Beau Brieske suffered a left adductor strain during a routine workout and was placed on the 60-day IL on March 23. Relief pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long, sidelined with a left oblique strain, has thrown three batting practice sessions and appears on track for an Opening Day return hopefully in April. Source: MLB.com
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Game Recap — The Tigers defeated the Rockies 11-8 on March 24, recording 16 hits and 5 home runs at Salt River Fields. Source: ESPN
Quick Hits
- Relief pitchers Enmanuel De Jesus and Brant Hurter were added to the Opening Day bullpen in final roster decisions.
- The Tigers face 18 turnaround trips in 2026, the highest total in MLB.
- Tarik Skubal won arbitration at $32 million and is in the final year of his contract with a potential free-agent deal of $400 million or more waiting after 2026.
Next Game
San Diego Padres — Thursday, March 26, 4:10 p.m. ET, Petco Park
Tigers Daily Report — March 25, 2026