When your job involves throwing a baseball, as it does for Detroit Tigers outfielder/third baseman Matt Vierling, the last thing you want to hear is that you’ve injured your rotator cuff. Unfortunately, that’s exactly the diagnosis Vierling received after experiencing discomfort in his right shoulder. Though the news was a shock, Vierling is working hard to stay optimistic.
Matt Vierling Still in Shock
Vierling admits that he is still processing the news of starting the 2025 season on the injured list.
“Emotionally, I’m in shock,” Vierling said to the Detroit Free Press. “I’m still trying to figure out the right way to handle it.”
Finding the Bright Side
While Vierling wishes the injury had never occurred, he’s trying to stay positive, feeling thankful it’s not worse and that it happened early in the year rather than during the season.
“It could’ve been a lot worse,” Vierling reflected. “I’m grateful it’s not torn, and I’m thankful it’s March 1. I feel fortunate this happened now instead of in May. I’ll be back, and I’m glad it’s not worse.”
He added, “It’s not that I’m devastated, but it’s tough. I’ve never been hurt like this in my career, so I’m trying to figure out how to deal with it mentally. But we’ll be fine.”
Vierling reiterated, “It could’ve been way worse, and it could’ve happened midseason. If there’s any silver lining, it’s that I’m in a good position to return soon and won’t miss much of the season. I’m feeling positive and grateful that it wasn’t more severe.”
