The Detroit Tigers made their first roster moves of spring training on Friday, reassigning four pitchers to Minor League camp as the organization begins trimming down the roster ahead of Opening Day. After the cuts, the Tigers have 61 players remaining in Major League camp, not including players currently on the 60-day injured list.
There are 27 days left until Opening Day, when Detroit is scheduled to face the San Diego Padres on March 26. With just under four weeks remaining in camp, the first round of cuts signals the start of the roster-shaping process as the Tigers gradually shift their focus toward players competing for spots on the 26-man roster.
Four injured relievers reassigned in first round of cuts
According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers sent right-handed pitchers Phil Bickford, Dugan Darnell, Tyler Owens and Troy Watson to Minor League camp. All four players are currently dealing with injuries and are in camp on Minor League contracts, making them logical candidates for the first round of roster reductions.
Darnell is the most notable name among the group. The 28-year-old right-hander grew up in Northville, Michigan, and made his MLB debut in August 2025 with the Colorado Rockies. He is currently recovering from left hip labral repair surgery, which limited his availability early in camp.
In his first taste of the majors, Darnell posted a 3.86 ERA with seven walks and five strikeouts across 11 2/3 innings in nine relief appearances for Colorado. He also spent most of the season at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he recorded a 3.19 ERA over 53 2/3 innings in 35 games.
Bickford brings the most MLB experience among group
Among the four pitchers reassigned, Bickford has the most Major League experience. The 30-year-old right-hander is working his way back from a right triceps strain after spending the entire 2025 season at the Triple-A level.
Bickford has appeared in parts of five MLB seasons, compiling a 4.62 ERA over 189 innings in 187 games. He was selected twice in the first round of the MLB Draft â first by the Toronto Blue Jays with the No. 10 overall pick in 2013 out of Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, California, and again by the San Francisco Giants with the No. 18 overall pick in 2015 out of the College of Southern Nevada.
Owens and Watson are also continuing injury recoveries. Owens, 25, is throwing bullpen sessions as he works back from right hip arthroscopy, while Watson, 28, is progressing through a return-to-play throwing program following right elbow arthroscopy. Watson is the only one of the four who has not yet made his MLB debut.
Projected Opening Day lineup looks familiar for Detroit
Tarik Skubal is expected to make his third straight Opening Day start. The reigning Cy Young winner has become the clear ace of the staff, and his third consecutive Opening Day assignment would mark the first time a Detroit pitcher has done so since Justin Verlander held the role from 2008 through 2014.
Detroitâs projected rotation is relatively easy to map out, with Skubal likely followed by Verlander, Framber Valdez, Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty. Because those spots appear set, the remaining battles in camp are expected to focus more on bullpen roles and bench depth than the top of the pitching staff.
According to Sports Illustrated, the lineup behind them should also look familiar:
- First Base: Spencer Torkelson
- Second Base: Gleyber Torres
- Third Base: Zach McKinstry
- Shortstop: Javier Báez
- Left: Riley Greene
- Center: Parker Meadows
- Right: Kerry Carpenter
- Catcher: Dillon Dingler
- Designated Hitter: Colt Keith
Several of those players are coming off strong seasons. McKinstry and Greene each earned Silver Slugger honors in 2025, while Dingler won a Gold Glove behind the plate. With most of the core returning, the Tigers are relying on internal improvement rather than major lineup changes to carry momentum into the new season.
One name to watch late in camp is Kevin McGonigle, who has impressed in the minors and could push for a roster spot after Trey Sweeneyâs recent injury opened the door for additional infield depth. While he is unlikely to start the season in the lineup, a strong finish to spring training could put him in position to earn a place on the 40-man roster.
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