LAKELAND, FL – Play-by-play broadcaster Jason Benetti is in the booth for the first time in spring training, left-hander Tarik Skubal is on the mound for his second spring start, and the Detroit Tigers may have teased their 2026 Opening Day lineup.

It’s Sunday, March 1, against the Toronto Blue Jays at Joker Marchant Stadium, with top prospect Kevin McGonigle at shortstop.

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There are 25 days until Opening Day on March 26.

“It’s just more for sensationalism,” manager A.J. Hinch said before Sunday’s game.

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Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle runs to first during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Feb. 25, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle runs to first during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Feb. 25, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida.

Here is the full lineup, in batting order:

After Skubal’s start, the Tigers have their three top relievers scheduled to come out of the bullpen: right-hander Kenley Jansen, right-hander Kyle Finnegan and right-hander Will Vest.

Everything about this game feels like an Opening Day preview, including Benetti’s presence in TigerTown.

“No, there’s nothing really associated with that,” Hinch said, “other than our guys will get more and more playing time as the spring gets a little bit deeper. But that doesn’t matter to me.”

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One minute later, Hinch joked with a Free Press reporter about his question regarding Sunday’s sensational lineup in spring training against the Blue Jays.

“Sorry to ruin your story,” Hinch said.

“It’s a nice-looking lineup, though – and two catchers,” the reporter responded, referencing Dingler at designated hitter and Rogers at catcher, with Dingler awaiting clearance in his return-to-play throwing program after arthroscopic right elbow surgery.

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“I’d get a third one in if I could,” said Hinch, who caught more than 2,600 innings in his seven-year MLB career before becoming a manager. “I should put [Josue] Briceño at first base.”

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers hint at Opening Day lineup with Kevin McGonigle at SS