Tigers’ Jake Rogers Hit by Own Bat, Suffers Mild Concussion
Jake Rogers was struck in the face by his own bat during a batting-cage drill on Tuesday, March 17. The 30-year-old catcher sustained a mild concussion and required stitches at the Detroit Tigers’ spring training complex in Lakeland.
Incident and immediate response
Manager A.J. Hinch called the episode a scary, unintended mishap. He said the concussion appears mild and should resolve before Opening Day on March 26 against the San Diego Padres.
Rogers had been on the travel roster for the team’s game in Bradenton. He was scratched after the batting-cage incident and removed from that night’s lineup.
Game-day lineup adjustments
The club had planned for Rogers to catch Casey Mize through six innings. Dillon Dingler was slated to serve as designated hitter, with Eduardo Valencia catching the final three innings.
After the injury, Dingler moved to catcher and Matt Vierling took the DH spot. Trei Cruz stepped into the starting center field role.
Roster and contingency plans
If Rogers cannot play on Opening Day, the Tigers could call on Eduardo Valencia or Tomás Nido as replacements. Valencia, 26, is already on the 40-man roster. Nido, 31, would require a 40-man roster move.
The club could place Rogers on the 7-day injured list if concussion symptoms persist. Team medical staff will monitor him closely in the coming days.
Performance context and contract status
In 2025, Rogers hit .187 across 46 games, with three home runs. He recorded 15 walks and 39 strikeouts, with zero defensive runs saved in 339 innings.
Rogers is expected to reach free agency after the 2026 season. He remains a clubhouse leader for the Tigers.
Related team coverage
Former Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge visited the “Days of Roar” podcast with Evan Petzold to spotlight the Inge Performance Lab in Brighton, Michigan. The segment showcased the training facility and Inge’s work with local players.
Tigers’ Jake Rogers was hit by his own bat and suffered a mild concussion, according to team officials. Reporting by Evan Petzold of Filmogaz.com.
