This story was excerpted from Jason Beck’s Tigers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
The Tigers’ 88th Spring Training in Lakeland, Fla., is right around the corner. The anticipation for it — and for what the Tigers could accomplish this season — is well underway.
There’s no Miguel Cabrera in camp for the first time since 2007 (though he could make an appearance in his post-playing role as a special assistant). That means there’s no established superstar in Tigers camp for the first time since ’03, the year before Detroit signed Pudge Rodriguez.
When the group has its first full-squad workout on Feb. 19, the clubhouse will be an intersection between young players who have arrived from the farm system over the past few years and established themselves in the big leagues and the next wave of prospects looking to join them in Detroit, preferably sooner rather than later. Watching this young roster come together ahead of Opening Day could be interesting.
Here’s a quick guide to the Tigers’ Spring Training ahead of the start of camp next week:
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Pitchers and catchers hold their first official workout on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
The first full-squad workout is Monday, Feb. 19.
Where is the Tigers’ facility?
Joker Marchant Stadium and the Tigertown complex are located in Lakeland, Fla., on Lakeland Hills Boulevard, south of Interstate 4.
Can fans attend workouts?
Fans can attend workouts and watch from a designated area around the back fields.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Eight of Detroit’s top 30 prospects per MLB Pipeline rankings will be in big league camp as part of the 40-man roster, led by No. 2 prospect Colt Keith, who just signed a six-year Major League contract and is expected to earn an Opening Day nod at second base.
When is the Tigers’ first Grapefruit game?
The Tigers host the Yankees on Saturday, Feb. 24 in a 1:05 p.m. ET game at Joker Marchant Stadium.
What are a few other notable spring games?
Monday, Feb. 26 vs. Astros, 1:05 p.m. ET
Friday, March 1 vs. Phillies, 1:05 p.m. ET
Monday, March 4 vs. Red Sox, 1:05 p.m. ET
Thursday, March 14 vs. Yankees, 1:05 p.m. ET
Sunday, March 17 vs. Orioles, 1:05 p.m. ET
Tuesday, March 19 vs. Phillies, 6:05 p.m. ET
What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
Spring Breakout features a team of the top prospects from each organization playing a similar squad from another organization. Detroit’s Spring Breakout game is against the Phillies on Saturday, March 16, at 1:05 p.m. ET at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Tigers will stream a live telecast of the game on the team site.
Sunday, Feb. 25 at Rays, 1:05 p.m. ET
Monday, March 4 vs. Red Sox, 1:05 p.m. ET
Thursday, March 7 vs. Blue Jays, 6:05 p.m. ET (Extra)
Tuesday, March 12 vs. Twins, 1:05 p.m. ET
Tuesday, March 19 vs. Phillies, 6:05 p.m. ET (Extra)
Thursday, March 21 vs. Mets, 1:05 p.m. ET
New Tigers television play-by-play broadcaster Jason Benetti is scheduled to do four telecasts, starting March 4.
When is the Tigers’ last game in Florida?
The Tigers close their Spring Training schedule against the Rays with a 1:05 p.m. ET game on Sunday, March 24, in Lakeland. The two teams face each other again in an exhibition on Tuesday, March 26 at 12:35 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field.
When is Opening Day?
The Tigers open the regular season on Thursday, March 28, against the White Sox in a 4:10 p.m. ET road game at Guaranteed Rate Field. Detroit’s home opener is Friday, April 5, against the A’s at 1:10 p.m. ET at Comerica Park.