Manager A.J. Hinch at his Detroit Tigers introductory press conference on Oct. 30, 2020. DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers will open the 2021 season with a home game against the Cleveland Indians on April 1, MLB announced. Hinch was hired to replace Ron Gardenhire as manager, and the team has made a handful of free agent signings. On Wednesday, the team added some depth by agreeing to minor league deals with Renato Nunez and Greg Garcia.