Tigers Cut Amarista, Opening Day Lineup Almost Set

The Detroit Tigers cut utilityman Alexi Amarista on Saturday prior to their spring training game against the Phillies, making their Opening Day roster a little more clear.

Amarista's release means there are 27 players left in Tigers camp that need to be trimmed down to 25. However, thanks to the current state of some Tigers pitchers, those "cuts" might not need to happen.

Mike Fiers is still in camp and it is looking very likely that he will not make the trek north when camp breaks this week on the active roster. Fiers will either stay for extended spring training or start the year on the disabled list to try and get his back 100% for he begins his major league season according to reports.

After Fiers there's Johnny Barbato, who has been dealing with elbow soreness recently in Lakeland. Barbato has been considered to be in a position battle for one of the few spots left in the bullpen. Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire has said Barbato will pitch Tuesday to give the Tigers one final look and decide if he's ready to start the season. If Barbato is not, or the Tigers want to use the same "better safe than sorry" approach like with Fiers, he too could start the season in extended spring training or on the disabled list.

Assuming Fiers and Barbato don't make the cut for Opening Day this would be the Tigers opening day roster. Players marked with an asterisk take the spots left by these two pitchers.

Starting rotation: Jordan Zimmermann, Michael Fulmer, Francisco Liriano, Matt Boyd, Daniel Norris*.

Bullpen: Shane Greene (Closer), Alex Wilson, Daniel Stumpf, Drew VerHagen, Joe Jimenez, Buck Farmer and Warwick Saupold*.

Catchers: James McCann, John Hicks

Infielders: Miguel Cabrera, Dixon Machado, Jose Iglesias, Jeimer Candelario, Niko Goodrum

Outfielders: Nicholas Castellanos, Leonys Martin, Mikie Mahtook, JaCoby Jones, Victor Reyes

Designated Hitter: Victor Martinez