Jung went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Jung has been struggling this spring, as he entered Tuesday's contest just 3-for-22 with no home runs, but he showed a little spark in this one. Despite his slump, the 24-year-old is in a good position to serve as Detroit's Opening Day third baseman with Matt Vierling (shoulder) currently on the shelf. Jung batted .241 with a .666 OPS and no long balls across 34 games during his MLB debut in 2024, but he has the talent to improve on those numbers in his first full season in the majors.

With Matt Vierling (shoulder) set to begin the regular season on the injured list, per Joey Johnston of MLB.com, Jung could have a clearer path to regular playing time at third base.

EDGE Analysis

Jung was already seemingly on top of the depth chart at the hot corner, though he was likely to work in a platoon with Vierling. However, Vierling is dealing with a strained right rotator cuff muscle and will not be ready for Opening Day, so Jung may see a larger share of playing time in the early going. If the 24-year-old gets off to a hot start, he could lock up the role more firmly for the rest of the year.

Jung's wrist is fully recovered from December surgery, and he put on a show during batting practice Saturday by hitting homers out to all fields, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Alex Bregman choosing Boston over Detroit and a couple other teams, the third base job is an open competition between Jung and Matt Vierling this spring. Jung has a chip on his shoulder and reported to camp early to show that he's regained the explosiveness in his swing that was more apparent in 2023. His exit velocities were below expectations last season, but Beck reports that Jung's exit velocities have been on the rise since minicamp in January. Jung mentioned that he did 100 push-ups a day to strengthen the wrist and also put in a lot of time with his brother, Rangers third baseman Josh Jung, working on his footwork at third base. Vierling will make the team regardless, but Jung probably either needs to win the starting third base job or he'll open the year at Triple-A.

With free agent Alex Bregman passing up the Tigers to sign with the Red Sox, Jung (wrist) should have a clearer path to time at third base, though Matt Vierling likely remains the top option there Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jung may have been pushed to the minors if Bregman had joined the team, but the former now has a clearer path to making the roster and having a meaningful role. Vierling is likely still the top option at the hot corner, though he can also play the outfield. Vierling also bats from the right side while Jung is left handed. That leaves the two players as potential platoon mates, and the 24-year-old Jung could emerge as a fantasy contributor in his second MLB season. He did undergo minor wrist surgery in December but should be good to go for spring training.

Jung (wrist) is the mix for an Opening Day bench role this spring, though he may also begin the year at Triple-A Toledo, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jung made his MLB debut in 2024 and slashed .241/.362/.304 in 34 games. The 24-year-old still has plenty of upside, though with the Tigers adding Gleyber Torres in the offseason, their infield is now a bit more crowded in the short term. That could leave Jung to compete with the likes of Andy Ibanez, Zach McKinstry and others for a utility role off the bench. Jung underwent minor wrist surgery in December, but he should be ready to go for spring training, and a strong exhibition showing would help his cause.

Jung underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure on his right wrist in October, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jung had been dealing with right wrist inflammation late in the season and the 24-year-old is expected to be ready to go for spring training in February. Jung appeared in 34 games with the Tigers during the 2024 regular season, producing a .241 average with five doubles, three RBI and 14 runs scored over 79 at-bats. Manager A.J. Hinch noted Monday that Jung will be given an opportunity to win a job during spring training, and he'll see work at third base, second base and in the designated hitter slot, per Petzold.

Jung is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Jung has now been absent from the Tigers' lineup for seven of the last 10 games. The rookie has just a .675 OPS and 31.5 percent strikeout rate in his first 31 big-league contests. Zach McKinstry is handling third base Tuesday as manager A.J. Hinch continues to mix and match at the hot corner.

Jung isn't in Detroit's lineup for Saturday's game against Baltimore, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty-hitting Jung will get a chance to rest Saturday as the Tigers prepare to face the lefty-throwing Cade Povich. Matt Vierling will start at the hot corner in Jung's stead, opening up right field for Wenceel Perez.

Jung is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

It's the fourth time Jung has been on the bench in the past five games, though two of those contests came against left-handed pitchers. The 23-year-old hasn't helped himself with Detroit making a push for a playoff spot, as he has a .222/.364/.259 slash line through 15 games in September.

Jung is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Jung will be out of the starting lineup for the third time in four games, and Zach McKinstry will get the start at third base Monday. Jung has gone 5-for-23 with a .640 OPS since the beginning of September.