Wenceel Perez returns as Tigers' center fielder

Detroit Tigers outfielder Wenceel Perez returns to the lineup after a two-week absence due to back tightness. He will start in center field during an exhibition game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Parker Meadows, previously expected to play center field, has been placed on the injured list with a nerve issue in his arm. He will be joined by Matt Vierling, who has a strained rotator cuff. With these injuries, Perez is likely to be the Tigers' primary center fielder for the season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 12 days.