Tigers spring training dates are set

If you’re planning on a February visit to Florida for spring training, or if you’re just looking forward to having actual baseball news other than hot stove stuff (I know I am), the dates are set for the Tigers’ first spring training workouts. Pitchers and catchers hold their first formal workout on Tuesday, Feb. 12. The first full-squad workout is set for Friday, Feb. 15.

They’re earlier dates than usual for a couple reasons. First is the World Baseball Classic and the desire to get players into camps and working out with their Major League teams for a while before some of them report to their respective national teams. The other factor is the April 1 start date.

The Tigers don’t really list official reporting dates anymore, because it’s a non-issue. So many players report early nowadays, especially pitchers, that there’s nothing to enforce. A lot of players also get their physical exams out of the way early, like when they’re in Detroit in January for TigerFest and the Winter Caravan. As long as players show up for the first workout, they’re fine.