Tigers Dealt Troubling News After Loss to Angels

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 2:56 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers are stumbling their way across the finish line, still sitting at 67–51 but the team’s double-digit division lead has evaporated as the surging Cleveland Guardians have narrowed the gap to just five games.

The Tigers’ lead would have become even slimmer if it weren’t for veteran outfielder Matt Vierling.

On Friday, in the first of a three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels, the 28-year-old crushed a go-ahead, three-run home run in the eighth inning to give Detroit a crucial 6–5 win. It was Vierling’s first home run of the season, as he’s only appeared in 31 games in 2025.

Tigers Announce Disappointing News

After a come-from-behind victory on Friday, the Tigers failed to capitalize on the offensive spark Vierling provided and dropped Saturday’s game 7–4.

Vierling left Saturday’s game early, and ahead of the series finale on Sunday, the team announced he had been placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain. Trey Sweeney was recalled to take his place on the active roster.

"INF/OF Matt Vierling has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain. INF Trey Sweeney has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo."

INF/OF Matt Vierling has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain.

INF Trey Sweeney has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) August 10, 2025

A.J. Hinch Provides Update on Matt Vierling

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch provided an update on Vierling during pregame via Cody Stavenhagen, “We have not eliminated the chance for him to come back,” Hinch said. “The severity of it is mild, but he clearly needs to go on the IL.”

This comes at a disappointing time, as Detroit had benefitted from Vierling’s presence as an option in the everyday lineup.

Last year, in 144 games, Vierling was a productive role player, batting .257 with a .735 OPS and 16 home runs. He had already missed the start of the 2025 season with a strained rotator cuff, leading to just 31 total games played.

With Detroit aiming for a deep postseason run, the injuries are starting to pile up.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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