Good News on the Injury Front For Detroit Tigers Young Centerpiece

With spring training less than one month away, the Detroit Tigers have some good news on the injury front with regards to young centerfielder Riley Greene.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal, and links to the original Detroit Free Press report (subscription required).

Greene (elbow) has been hitting, playing catch and going through some defensive drills as the Tigers' spring training complex in Florida, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

ANALYSIS
Greene is not even four months removed from Tommy John surgery, but because the operation was on his right (non-throwing) elbow, he's facing a much shorter rehab window. It's possible Greene will face some restrictions during spring training, but the expectation is that he will be ready to go by Opening Day.

That's certainly good news for Detroit, who is counting on Greene as they look to ascend in the American League Central. The group finished second in the American League Central a year ago and has signed Jack Flaherty, Kenta Maeda and traded for Mark Canha as they look to take the next steps.

The 23-year-old battled multiple injuries in 2023 and only played in 99 games, but he did play quite well when healthy. He hit .288 with 11 homers and 37 RBI while also stealing seven bases. Along with Spencer Torkelson, he makes up a solid young core of position players for manager A.J. Hinch.

He made his major league debut in 2022 and owns a .271/.335/.739 slash line with 16 home runs.