Tigers Daily Report
April 16, 2026
Executive Summary
The Tigers have won four straight after taking the series opener from the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night, 2-1. Detroit hosts Kansas City for another AL Central matchup today looking to extend their winning streak.
Top Story
Tigers Seek Series Win Against Royals in Midweek Matchup
Following a five-game losing streak, the Motor City Kitties have now won four straight after taking the series opener from the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night, 2-1. AJ Hinch and Co. have a chance to get back to the .500 mark and clinch their second straight series win on Wednesday night at Comerica Park, where they are 6-1 so far this season. The Tigers have right-hander Jack Flaherty, who is still searching for his mojo in 2026, lined up for the start against fellow righty Seth Lugo, who has looked good so far this year.
Source: Bless You Boys
Around the Club
Injuries — RHP Justin Verlander threw a higher-intensity bullpen session on April 11 and will likely throw a rehab start or simulated game before being reinstated. He will not be reinstated when eligible on April 16. Shortstop Trey Sweeney was transferred to the 60-day injured list Saturday after receiving a PRP injection Thursday, indicating he is not progressing in his recovery as anticipated. The earliest Sweeney can make his 2026 regular-season debut is late May. Source: MLB.com
Prospects — Top prospect Max Clark has started off hot at the plate at Triple-A Toledo with a .352 average, including a streak of six consecutive multihit games from April 1-8. His .439 on-base percentage includes twice as many walks (10) as strikeouts (five), and he entered Tuesday with a .537 slugging percentage despite still searching for his first Triple-A home run. Manager A.J. Hinch said Clark "wasn't a consideration to come up" after Parker Meadows' injury, noting the Tigers have "been very consistent with him needing time to continue development" but that "he's gotten off to a good start himself" at Triple-A. Source: MLB.com
Roster — The Tigers claimed Grant Holman off waivers from the Dodgers on Saturday. It's the third time this season that Holman has been claimed off waivers, and he has been optioned to the FCL after being picked up by Detroit. Source: CBS Sports
Quick Hits
- The Tigers are currently deploying a combination of Javier Baez and Matt Vierling in center field with Parker Meadows (broken arm, concussion) on the 60-day injured list.
- Flaherty will take a 3.94 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB through 16 innings into his next outing.
Next Game
Kansas City Royals — April 16 at 1:10 p.m. ET, Comerica Park
Tigers Daily Report — April 16, 2026