DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers’ outfield depth is once again being tested. In a bittersweet roster move, the team activated Wenceel Pérez from the 60-day injured list Tuesday, marking his season debut. Though, this elation was tempered by the placement of Matt Vierling on the 10-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation.

Pérez’s Triumphant Return

• Immediate Impact: Pérez made an immediate impact, homering on his very first swing of the season.
• The Hit: He turned on a 2-0 pitch from San Francisco Giants’ pitcher Logan Webb,sending the ball over the right-field wall for a solo home run in the second inning.
• celebration: The excitement was palpable as Pérez “bounced and skipped part of his way around the bases.”

Vierling’s shoulder Woes

The injury to Vierling came as a surprise. According to manager A.J. Hinch, there wasn’t a specific incident that triggered the issue.

There wasn’t a singular event or episode or anything. After the game, he came in and complained of some shoulder soreness, so we sent him for tests, saw some doctors. We’re going to need to get further testing, but we can’t mess with this coming off of the most recent shoulder issue that he’s had.

A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers Manager

The team is proceeding cautiously, given Vierling’s recent history with shoulder problems.

Pérez Steps Up

Similar to the situation when Vierling and Parker Meadows were sidelined during Spring Training, Pérez is seen as the natural replacement in the outfield. He had extensive playing time in center field this spring before his own injury.

• Spring Training: Pérez played extensively in center field during spring training.
• Injury: He was sidelined with lower back inflammation,requiring two injections and a stint on the 60-day injured list.
• Rehab: Pérez completed a six-game Minor League rehab assignment without any issues.

Decision Time

Pérez worked out with the team at Comerica Park on Monday,an off-day in the Minor Leagues. Rather of sending him back to Triple-A Toledo, the Tigers decided to keep him with the major league club. With Vierling out, Pérez was placed in Tuesday’s starting lineup against San Francisco, playing center field.

He was ready to go yesterday when we brought him here.We wanted to get our eyes on him. He did pregame [work] like we expected, the glove work and all the things that our guys do every day.Once we saw him do that, he was cleared, nonetheless of the way that things worked out with Matty. We were going to have to decide which ballpark he was going to play in today, whether it was here or he could have continued his rehab in Toledo, but there was really no need for him to continue in Toledo.

A.J. hinch, Detroit Tigers manager

Third Base Considerations

While Pérez’s return provides outfield coverage, the Tigers face a challenge in replacing Vierling at third base. Although Vierling didn’t play third before his injury, the team had him practice there during his rehab assignment.

• Current Options: With Pérez in center field, Javier Báez started at third base Tuesday.
• Other Players: Zach McKinstry and Andy ibáñez are also capable of playing third base.
• Trade Deadline: If Vierling’s injury is long-term, the Tigers might look for a third baseman on the market leading up to the Trade Deadline at the end of July.