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The Detroit Tigers placed outfielder JaCoby Jones and righthander Drew VerHagen on the 15-day injured list, and assigned catcher Cameron Rupp to the minor leagues on Tuesday. They also recalled outfielder Dustin Peterson from Triple-A Toledo, which finalized their 25-man roster prior to Opening Day on Thursday.
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There aren’t many surprises to be found, but we saw a few position battles work themselves out over the course of the spring. Mikie Mahtook beat out other outfielders, including Victor Reyes and Dustin Peterson, to claim a spot on the bench. Peterson will still make the roster due to Jones’ injury, but expect Mahtook and utility man Niko Goodrum to get the majority of starts in center field to begin the season. Peterson was given a look in center on Monday, but scouting reports suggest he should stick to left field.
Righthander Spencer Turnbull beat out Daniel Norris for the final spot in the rotation, pushing Norris to the bullpen. There will be ample debate as to whether Norris should pitch there or in Triple-A Toledo, but it remains to be seen how exactly Ron Gardenhire will use the young lefthander in games. Turnbull earned his spot with a strong spring, posting a 1.80 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 15 innings of work.
Starting pitchers: Jordan Zimmermann, Matthew Boyd, Tyson Ross, Matt Moore, Spencer Turnbull
Relief pitchers: Shane Greene, Joe Jimenez, Blaine Hardy, Buck Farmer, Victor Alcantara, Reed Garrett, Daniel Stumpf, Daniel Norris
Catchers: Grayson Greiner, John Hicks
Infielders: Miguel Cabrera, Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer, Jeimer Candelario, Niko Goodrum, Gordon Beckham
Outfielders: Nicholas Castellanos, Mikie Mahtook, Christin Stewart, Dustin Peterson