

Matt Vierling

Player News

Vierling is only in the lineup at designated hitter for now while he completes a return-to-play throwing progression. The Tigers are highly unlikely to call him up until he can throw and play the field.

Vierling has been limited to DH in his first two rehab games, but he should get back into the field at some point in the coming days. The 28-year-old has been out since late March recovering from a right shoulder strain. He figures to make it back to Detroit by mid-May.

Vierling (shoulder) will begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Sunday, Emily Waldon of Baseball America reports.

The versatile 28-year-old met up with the Mudhens on Friday in Worcester and will work out with the club for a couple of days before serving as the designated hitter in Sunday's game. He's going to need plenty of at-bats on his rehab assignment, but as long as everything goes according to plan he should be back with the Tigers before the month of May is through.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday on MLB Network Radio that Vierling (shoulder) should begin a rehab assignment "pretty soon," Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.