At least nine spots on Detroit's 25-man roster are expected to be filled with players who weren't on the team at the end of last season. Others will arrive at Spring Training as non-roster invitees with an opportunity to add to the total.
UT Mike Aviles: The Tigers signed Aviles before Christmas with the idea of using him in a superutility role. Upton's signing a few weeks later rendered Aviles' outfield versatility less important, but he has a chance to provide some infield versatility and veteran savvy off the bench, something the Tigers lacked last year without Don Kelly.