2026 Exhibition Spring Games

[IdahoBert]

On today’s March 18 game against the Pirates on the road Mize is the starter and once again there’s no TV.

I guess afterthought teams like the Tigers and the Pirates just can’t afford to do TV broadcasts for spring training - but at least there’s radio on WXYT 1270 AM.

No lineups yet made available. I wonder if the Tigers will just field minor league position players or bring the real club to Bradenton… It’s a “night game“ beginning at 6:05 PM EDT.

[slothfacekilla]

 

 

[Tiger337]

I would guess the Tigers will make most of their final roster decisions this weekend before traveling west to Arizona to play the Rockies.  

[Tigermojo]

42 minutes ago, slothfacekilla said:

 

 

 

[RatkoVarda]

Julks sent to minor league camp despite great numbers

[Tiger337]

Does anyone know which invitees are still in camp?  McCosky said there were still 43 players still in MLB camp after today's moves.  I assume that includes 32 40-man roster guys, 3 60 day IL guys and  8 NRI.  It is hard to find a list of NRI still active though.  I've got 9.  

Edit: OK, Looking around a little more, I think I've got it down to 8: B. Smith, Vanasco, Nido, M.Anderson, McGonigle, Peck, Guenther, Slater 

Edited 18 hours ago by Tiger337

[IdahoBert]

FYI - Skubal's final Spring outing is Friday March 20 against Philadelphia in Clearwater, Florida at 1:05 PM EDT.

There will be a Phillies TV feed but no Tigers TV feed although the Tigers will have their own radio broadcast as usual on WXYT 1270.

Then on March 26 in San Diego at 4:10 PM EDT he will start against the Padres in the first real game of the year. Genuine radio and TV coverage for our team will then commence. 
 

[oblong]

Benetti doing NCAA games this weekend?  I know he's got Michigan and State today.  Wonder if htat played into the decision.  Were they on TV twice this spring? Seems low.

[chasfh]

I like reading this kind of thing when it involves my team.

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2026/03/19/detroit-tigers-austin-slater-opt-out-opening-day-roster/89164693007/

Slater, a .248 hitter in his 699-game MLB career, has redefined his approach at the plate since signing with the Tigers, thanks to the player plan given to him by the Tigers ahead of spring training.

The results in camp? More walks and fewer strikeouts with damage, all while continuing to showcase his understanding of the strike zone.

He remains focused on swing decisions.

"My swing felt really good last year, and I got away from being really stubborn in my approach and my plan," Slater said. "Pitch selection was not maybe as great as it's been in years past. It used to be a strength of mine, and I'm trying to hone that back in."

[IdahoBert]

2 hours ago, oblong said:

Benetti doing NCAA games this weekend?  I know he's got Michigan and State today.  Wonder if htat played into the decision.  Were they on TV twice this spring? Seems low.

I like that idea instead of the notion that the Tigers simply can’t afford to do TV broadcasts.

Also, it means that we’ll see Dan Dickerson on TV a lot during March Madness which will be a “good thing” as Martha Stewart would say…

[chasfh]

Kevin McGonigle is not on the Tigers' Spring Breakout Game roster, and if you're itching to see him make the team out of camp, that's a good sign.

[Sports_Freak]

Austin Slater's first opt out is this Saturday. If the Tigers cut him, he's a free agent. See ya later, Austin? Good luck?

[tiger2022]

Had Slater played in the 80s, he would have been named Pat Sheridan.

[Tiger337]

36 minutes ago, tiger2022 said:

Had Slater played in the 80s, he would have been named Pat Sheridan.

Slater is (or was) a better hitter, but Sheridan was a better defender.  Interestingly, they both had 5 career WAR. 

The mention of Sheridan's name makes me remember Kubek saying:" Pat Sheridan! Got a good arrrrrrrrrm. Can steal a base."  I am not sure why that sticks in my mind.