Prior to today’s game, it was announced that Zach Miner’s name was being pulled out of the rotation race. Of course he answers with three shutout innings of relief today in the Tigers 4-3 loss to the Yankees. He allowed three hits without a walk and he struck out in relief of Clay Rapada, who finished the third inning after a rough start by Rick Porcello. The youngster gave up two runs on four hits and a walk with one strikeout in 2 1/3 innings.
With that, it looks like Nate Robertson and his back to back solid outings have made him the front runner for the fifth spot in the rotation. What’s interesting is, after a four game series against the Jays at Rogers Centre, the fifth starter will be the guy who throws in front of an opening day crowd at Comerica Park.
Gerald Laird was a perfect three for three in the loss. Jeff Larish went two for five with his third homerun. Everyone is clamoring over the 25th man when it usually doesn’t matter too much because the 25th man is usually different a few weeks into the season. Larish is one option but because he has options, I bet the Tigers go with Mike Hessman or Brent Clevlen, because both of them are out of options. Each brings something different to the table. Clevlen would be a good guy to have to spell Granderson in centerfield while Hessman has the power bat.
The Tigers play the Marlins at home tomorrow afternoon. Justin Verlander gets the nod.