This is Part 2 of the Free Press’ “Five most important players” series, in which we’ll take a look at the x-factors for the six major beats. Freep Tigers beat writer Evan Petzold consulted on this list. Part 1 on the Detroit Lions can be viewed by clicking here.

If the Detroit Tigers continue suffering injuries at the rate they did last week, this list could become outdated very quickly.

In a span of roughly 24 hours at the end of May, the Tigers lost ace starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, outfielder Matt Vierling and young center fielder Riley Greene to the injured list. By nearly all metrics, Rodriguez and Greene have been the Tigers’ best players in 2023.

Needless to say, it was a long day for the Tigers.

WHEN WILL THEY BE BACK:Doctors explain when Detroit Tigers’ Eduardo Rodriguez, Riley Greene could return from injuries

Remarkably, the Tigers are still only 4½ games out of the division, despite entering Saturday nine games below .500 and losses in nine of their past 10 games. (They can thank the wretched AL Central for that.)