James McCann Confident in Verlander’s Swift Comeback
In Phoenix, James McCann spotted Justin Verlander wearing the Tigers’ road grays. McCann said the former Tiger looked right back in Detroit colors. He spent the first five years of his own career in that same uniform.
Past Bonds and Perspective
McCann will turn 36 in June and begins his 14th big-league season. He caught 57 of Verlander’s starts in Detroit. Only Alex Avila, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez and Gerald Laird have more games caught with Verlander.
James McCann said he is confident Verlander will stage a swift comeback. McCann compared Monday’s rough start to Verlander’s April of 2017. Back then, Verlander’s ERA sat above 6.00 and critics were quick to judge.
Adjustments and Reminders
McCann stressed that longevity requires in-season adjustments. He recalled teammates telling him not to focus on April numbers. Torii Hunter’s advice, McCann said, was to judge pitching by season-end results.
After returning to form in 2017, Verlander finished strong. He went 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA in his final seven starts as a Tiger. He then won five straight starts while helping the Astros capture a World Series title.
Long Road Trip, Eager to Return Home
Manager A.J. Hinch said the club is eager to settle into Detroit. The team has been on the move for about eight-and-a-half weeks since spring camp opened. The Tigers logged stops in Lakeland, the Dominican Republic, Fort Myers, Scottsdale, San Diego and Phoenix in those 50 days.
Ten of the club’s first 13 games are on the road. That is the most road-heavy start since 2007, when they also began with 10 of the first 13 away. Hinch called the upcoming three-game homestand big but said the team will adapt as needed.
Players Yet to See Comerica Park
Several newcomers have not yet been inside the renovated Tigers clubhouse. That group includes rookie Kevin McGonigle and pitchers Drew Anderson, Connor Seabold, Enmanuel De Jesus, Kenley Jansen and Framber Valdez. Verlander, despite his long Detroit history, also has not seen the upgrades.
Valdez said through interpreter Carlos Guillén that he arranged housing right after signing. His family is already settled in Detroit, and he looks forward to experiencing Opening Day and the improved facilities.
Weekend Rotation and Matchups
The Tigers will start Framber Valdez on Friday, Jack Flaherty on Saturday and Justin Verlander on Sunday. The Cardinals plan to counter with right-handers Michael McGreevy, Dustin May and Kyle Leahy. Detroit will face right-handed starters in its first nine games this season.
Hinch noted Detroit April weather is unpredictable and the team will adapt. Small rain, cold snaps and warm stretches are all possible. Managers and players will adjust as conditions change.
Roster Addition
The Tigers signed 24-year-old infielder E.J. Esposito to a minor-league deal. He spent the last four seasons in the Atlanta Braves system and reached Double-A last year. Esposito owns a .228/.316/.378 line, has played shortstop, second and third base, and stole 31 bases in High-A in 2024.
Reporting for Filmogaz.com.
