After months of uncertainty, rehab setbacks, and patient recovery, the wait is finally over: Parker Meadows is officially back in the Detroit Tigers lineup.
The Tigers announced on Thursday morning that the talented 24-year-old outfielder has been activated from the injured list and will rejoin the team for their weekend series opener against the Chicago White Sox. Meadows, once pegged as the Tigers’ starting center fielder for 2025, has spent the past three months recovering from an upper-arm nerve injury that derailed his promising spring.
“This is a huge moment for Parker, and for us as a team,” manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. “He’s worked incredibly hard to get back to this point. The timing couldn’t be better.”
Meadows initially suffered the injury during Detroit’s first exhibition game on February 22. What was originally seen as a minor setback turned into a prolonged absence, as nerve issues in his throwing arm delayed any baseball activity for weeks. He didn’t resume throwing until late April and began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on May 20.
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But after a steady ramp-up and solid performance over the past week — including a three-hit game and flawless defense in center — the Tigers training staff gave the green light. Meadows is expected to slot back into the leadoff spot and reclaim his defensive post in center field.
In 2024, Meadows wrapped up his rookie campaign on a high note, hitting .299 with an .857 OPS in his final 213 plate appearances. His speed, glove, and emerging bat made him a fan favorite and a key piece of Detroit’s long-term rebuild.
The Tigers, currently leading the AL Central with a 6-game cushion, will welcome his return as they push deeper into the season with serious postseason aspirations. With Detroit already fielding one of the league’s best home records, Meadows’ return could add a spark both at the plate and in the outfield.
“Getting Parker back is like making a midseason trade without having to give anyone up,” Hinch added. “He brings a lot of energy, and he’s a big part of our identity.”
With the Tigers set to face the White Sox in a three-game road series starting Friday, all eyes will be on Meadows as he makes his much-anticipated return to the big stage.