Detroit Tigers’ Kenley Jansen, Max Clark Clash in Backfields

This article recap brings you the latest from the Detroit Tigers’ spring training in Lakeland. Live bullpens, a clash with a top prospect, and early roster moves are already shaping the team’s path toward the regular season.

It highlights standout performances and rehab progress. The organizational plan is to ramp up pitchers on a steady schedule, but there’s always a bit of unpredictability in spring.

Live bullpens, a prospect showdown and early camp observations

In Lakeland, Framber Valdez and Kenley Jansen ran live bullpen sessions as Detroit fine-tuned its pitching plan for the opening weeks. The session included a memorable confrontation with the club’s top prospect, Max Clark, who stepped in for a high-profile at-bat sequence that turned heads around the ballpark.

Clark faced the veterans in a back-and-forth that showed off his offensive potential and competitive approach. He worked a full count against Jansen, ripped a single to left-center, and then got retired by Jansen in a later at-bat.

He also did well in a follow-up at-bat against Valdez, fouling off a pitch before launching an opposite-field homer after Valdez had thrown 33 pitches. Jansen threw 23 pitches in the session, showing the pace needed to get ready for the majors.

Valdez, Jansen, and Clark: a microcosm of the camp’s early tempo

The showcase wasn’t just about the young hitter. It gave a glimpse at how the Tigers want to mix veteran leadership with new talent.

Catcher Dillon Dingler, rehabbing from offseason elbow surgery, sparked things by collecting a broken-bat single off Jansen and tallying three hits off Valdez. His presence might translate into a designated hitter spot this weekend, depending on how the lineup shakes out.

Manager AJ Hinch and pitching coach Chris Fetter are pushing leverage relievers to lock in a regular spring schedule before the early-season grind begins.

• Jansen delivered a varied, late-innings look, mixing placement and deception as he ramps up his workload.
• Valdez mixed tempo and command, stretching out to 33 pitches to steady his approach under game-like pressure.
• Dingler leaned on his plate discipline in a rehab-friendly setting, giving the Tigers a peek at his potential as a catcher and hitter.

Later, relievers Will Vest, Kyle Finnegan, and Tyler Holton each made their spring debuts alongside Jansen. Finnegan and Holton worked clean innings, while Vest struggled to locate his velocity and gave up three runs.

The day really highlighted the constant balancing act between velocity and command as the Tigers piece together their bullpen roles for the season.

Young players, debuts, and roster moves shaping the spring narrative

Beyond the big-name bullpen work, a few lower-profile performances and strategic decisions added some depth to Detroit’s spring storyline. Tyler Mattison, a non-roster right-hander coming back from Tommy John surgery, struck out the side with a high-spin 94-mph fastball.

His results suggest the organization is feeling good about his rehab and his chance to contribute later. Riley Greene also stood out for his plate discipline, drawing three walks and battling through a 13-pitch at-bat that included seven two-strike fouls.

Greene’s eye at the plate is a promising sign for the Tigers’ middle-infield depth and hints at a player who could be central to Detroit’s offensive plans this season.

Thayron Liranzo, a Margaritaville Porch moment, and a new left-handed arm

Another highlight came from Thayron Liranzo. He launched a three-run homer onto the Margaritaville Porch, capping a four-run sixth inning for the Tigers.

That blast really showed off the club’s depth. It’s wild how someone from the farm system can just step up and make noise like that.

On the roster-management side, Detroit signed veteran lefty Colin Poche to a minor-league deal. He’s had some past success but lately, control has been an issue.

The Tigers seem pretty open to adding experienced arms, even with a crowded spring competition. They’ll keep an eye on Poche’s performance and, who knows, maybe he gets a shot later on.

As spring unfolds, Detroit’s plan seems to center on building bullpen leverage. They’re watching pace, command, and trying to figure out which mix of veterans and prospects might define the team’s ceiling in 2026.

The Lakeland camp offers a real look at how the Tigers want to tackle a hopeful season. It’s a mix of steady vets and promising youngsters, and honestly, it’s hard not to be a little curious about how it all shakes out.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Drama on the backfields as Tigers’ Kenley Jansen and Max Clark square off