What to know about Tigers Spring Training

DETROIT -- No Major League team has been in its current Spring Training home for as many years as the Tigers have been in Lakeland, Fla. Yet as the Tigers prepare for their 87th Spring Training in Lakeland, and their 58th consecutive season of games at Joker Marchant Stadium, the emphasis is on youth, from emerging youngsters like Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and Matt Manning to prospects like Justyn-Henry Malloy, Joey Wentz, Colt Keith and Parker Meadows.

As pitchers and catchers roll into Tigertown in anticipation of the first workouts in mid-February, here’s a quick rundown of key facts:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Wednesday, Feb. 15

What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Monday, Feb. 20

Where is the team’s facility?
Joker Marchant Stadium and the adjacent Tigertown facility are located on Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland, Fla., just south of Interstate 4.

Can fans attend workouts?
Fans are not allowed into the back fields where workouts take place, but they can gather outside the fences where players walk to and from the clubhouse and practice fields.

Who are some new faces fans should know?
The Tigers acquired infielder Nick Maton, outfielder Matt Vierling and catcher Donny Sands from the Phillies in the Gregory Soto trade. Detroit also signed a pair of free-agent starting pitchers, bringing back longtime Tiger Matthew Boyd and welcoming Michael Lorenzen.

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Four of MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Tigers prospects will be in big league camp as non-roster invites: 3B/2B Colt Keith (No. 6), 3B/LF Justyn-Henry Malloy (7), C Dillon Dingler (11) and RP Elvis Alvarado (28). In addition, SS Ryan Kreidler (8), 2B Wenceel Perez (15), CF Parker Meadows (17), 3B/2B Andre Lipcius (23) and LHP Joey Wentz (25) will be in camp as members of the 40-man roster.

Which players will be participating in the World Baseball Classic?
Rosters aren’t finalized, but 1B/DH Miguel Cabrera (Venezuela), SS Javier Báez (Puerto Rico) and 2B Jonathan Schoop (Netherlands) have committed to take part.

When is the Tigers’ first Grapefruit League game?
Saturday. Feb. 25 vs. Phillies at Joker Marchant Stadium, 1:05 p.m. ET

What are a few other notable games? (all games at 1:05 p.m. ET unless otherwise noted)
Sunday, Feb. 26 vs. Orioles
Monday, Feb. 27 at Yankees, 6:35 p.m. ET
Thursday, March 2 vs. Orioles
Friday, March 3 at Phillies (1:05) and at Yankees (6:35)
Friday, March 10 vs. Yankees
Thursday, March 16 vs Phillies, 6:05
Friday, March 17 vs. Yankees
Tuesday, March 21 at Yankees
Wednesday, March 22 vs. Braves
Thursday, March 23 at Phillies (1:05) and at Orioles (6:05)

How many games will be televised?
Bally Sports Detroit is currently scheduled for seven Tigers telecasts, all at 1:05:

Sunday, March 5 at Twins
Wednesday, March 8 vs. Nationals
Friday, March 10 vs. Yankees
Monday, March 13 at Rays
Friday, March 17 vs. Yankees
Monday, March 20 vs. Blue Jays
Wednesday, March 22 vs. Braves

Other games will likely be available on MLB Network and MLB.TV via opposing teams’ broadcasts.

When is the club’s last spring game?
Sunday, March 26 vs. Rays at Joker Marchant Stadium

Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
No additional games are scheduled at this time, though the Tigers could try to add a scrimmage during the three days between their Spring Training finale and Opening Day.

When is Opening Day?
The Tigers don’t have to go far to begin the regular season. They’ll open on Thursday, March 30 against the Rays at Tropicana Field.