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The Detroit Tigers are set for their American League Divisional Series matchup against the Seattle Mariners, but before first pitch on Saturday, there’s one more key decision looming: the final 26-man roster. And it could come with a major double boost.
Manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Friday that the club is weighing whether to activate both Matt Vierling and Colt Keith for the ALDS.
“We’re still likely to carry 12 pitchers and 14 position players,” Hinch said via the Detroit Free Press. “Obviously, it’s a longer series, so you take a little bit of a deeper dive into what can happen over a five-game series, as opposed to the previous three-game series. We’re likely to take as much time as we have allotted to us to make the final decision.”
That final call has to come by 1 p.m. on Saturday, giving Detroit just hours to determine whether the duo is ready to roll. Both players were spotted taking live batting practice in Seattle alongside Hinch and President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris, a strong sign that the team is seriously considering their inclusion.
Colt Keith and Matt Vierling, live batting practice. #Tigers pic.twitter.com/Aoprd5WcHn
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) October 3, 2025
The Case for Vierling
Before going down with an injury, Vierling had appeared in 31 games for Detroit this season. His numbers, a .239 batting average with 1 home run, 11 RBIs, and a .617 OPS, weren’t flashy, but his defensive versatility (outfield and third base) and ability to deliver situational hitting make him a useful roster piece. His return would add depth and flexibility to Hinch’s options late in games.
The Case for Keith
On the other hand, Colt Keith was enjoying a strong sophomore campaign before his injury. Over 414 at-bats, he hit .256 with 13 home runs, 45 RBIs, and a .746 OPS, good for a 107 OPS+, meaning he was an above-average offensive contributor. His left-handed bat would be especially valuable against Seattle’s righty-heavy pitching staff.
Why It Matters
The Tigers already shocked the Cleveland Guardians in the Wild Card round, thanks to timely power from Dillon Dingler and strong pitching from Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty. Now, adding both Vierling and Keith back into the fold could give Detroit more depth and balance as they gear up for the five-game grind against one of the hottest teams in baseball.
If Hinch and Harris give the green light, the Tigers won’t just be advancing into the ALDS, they’ll be doing it with reinforcements.
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Don Drysdale
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