UPDATE: Dillon Dingler is back on the field! The 27-year-old catcher for the Detroit Tigers stepped into the lineup as the designated hitter for the first time this season during the 2026 spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies today, February 27, at Joker Marchant Stadium. Although he is not yet fully cleared to catch, his return marks a significant step in his recovery from recent elbow surgery.
Dingler, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow in late January, confirmed he remains in the rehab phase but expressed optimism about his progress. “It’s still up in the air a little bit,” he said regarding his timeline for full clearance. “But I think sometime in the next week and a half.” Fans can breathe easy as he reassured them he will not miss any regular season games, with Opening Day slated for March 26.
Before today’s game, Dingler participated in three days of live batting practice on the TigerTown backfields, preparing to face off against Phillies right-hander Jean Cabrera. “It’s progressing well,” Dingler noted, emphasizing that this appearance is a “good first step” in his recovery journey. The next objective for Dingler is to complete his throwing program, which includes various distance drills.
In an impressive 2025 season, Dingler showcased his skills with a batting average of .278, hitting 13 home runs, and drawing 23 walks across 126 games. His exceptional performance earned him the American League Gold Glove Award at catcher, making him just the fourth catcher in Tigers history to achieve this honor.
As Dingler continues to work towards full recovery, fans and teammates alike are eagerly watching his progress. Stay tuned for more updates on his condition and the Tigers’ performance as the season approaches.
For further updates, follow sports journalist Evan Petzold at [email protected] or on Twitter @EvanPetzold.
