In a tightly contested exhibition game, the Detroit Tigers fell to the San Francisco Giants 4-3, with Justyn-Henry Malloy providing a highlight by hitting a solo home run in the second inning. Malloy's blast marked his first home run of the spring, showcasing his potential as he vies for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Starting pitcher Jackson Jobe showed promise despite allowing two runs, striking out five batters and demonstrating a solid fastball. Casey Mize and Kenta Maeda also contributed by limiting runs.

The Tigers, who opened their season against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, had notable performances from Malloy, Mize, and Maeda. The final exhibition highlighted the team's offensive capabilities and pitching depth as they prepare for the regular season.

The Detroit Tigers faced a tough challenge against the New York Yankees, suffering a 4-0 defeat in their latest Grapefruit League game. Despite the loss, right-hander Keider Montero showcased resilience on the mound, overcoming a rocky start after conceding a leadoff home run to Austin Wells. Montero managed to pitch 4⅓ innings, striking out four batters while allowing four hits and only one run after the initial blow. His performance may have kept his Opening Day roster hopes alive.

As the Tigers' rotation solidifies with Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Reese Olson in the top three spots, Montero is in a competitive battle with Casey Mize and Jackson Jobe for the remaining spots. Mize has been impressive this spring, while Jobe’s recent performance was less convincing. The Tigers' bullpen also saw Kenta Maeda’s shift to a relief role complicate roster decisions further.

Wenceel Pérez’s defensive skills were on display as he made a highlight-reel catch, robbing Wells and showing he could fill in well for the injured Parker Meadows. However, the offense struggled, with notable hard-hit balls by players like Javier Báez and Riley Greene failing to convert into runs. Overall, the game raised questions about team depth as players fight for spot on the roster.

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch announced that Kenta Maeda will begin the season in the bullpen after an impressive spring training where he showcased his strikeout ability and reduced walks. Maeda's transition to the bullpen follows a solid performance despite an illness setback. Hinch noted that Maeda's spring statistics were better than last year, emphasizing the potential for him to earn significant innings.

Injury updates reveal that Matt Vierling is recovering from shoulder issues but will not be part of the Opening Day roster. He started a hitting progression, showing promise for a swift return. Meanwhile, Parker Meadows is making gradual progress as he recovers from upper arm inflammation but remains unable to throw. Both players are on track to contribute significantly once fully healthy.

The Detroit Tigers are shifting focus beyond the Alex Bregman saga and looking ahead to a promising season following their recent playoff berth. With a roster brimming with potential and spring training on the horizon, roster projections are taking shape. Notably, Kenta Maeda appears to be in line to secure a spot in the rotation, especially with Alex Cobb sidelined due to injury. After a disappointing previous season, Maeda's performance in bullpen sessions suggests he may reclaim a starting role, potentially competing with rising talents like Casey Mize and Matt Manning for the spot. Early projections indicate a rotation featuring Maeda, Tarik Skubal, and other key arms as the Tigers aim to build on their recent success.

The Detroit Tigers are facing uncertainty in their starting rotation as they head into the offseason, with a focus on improving their pitching staff.

Potential depth starters include Keider Montero, Kenta Maeda, Matt Manning, and Ty Madden, each with varying degrees of success and challenges in the past season.

Top prospects like Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize are also in the mix, while Walker Buehler is expected to be a key free agent acquisition. Tarik Skubal stands out as the team's ace after a remarkable season.