LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Detroit manager Jim Leyland says his lineup will be figured out in about a week and the starting pitching is set, leaving the biggest fight in camp for spots in the bullpen.
Jose Valverde, Ryan Perry, and Joaquin Benoit have clinched spots, and Brad Thomas has an inside track after pitching in 49 games last season. After that Leyland says the race is wide open.
Lefty Daniel Schlereth was impressive in 18 games last year for the Tigers, and Leyland wasn’t overly concerned that he walked four straight in Wednesday’s loss to the Cardinals.
Leyland plans to bring 12 pitchers north. Charlie Furbish has impressed Leyland all spring and will pitch Thursday against Minnesota.
Others auditioning include Alberto Albuquerque and Brayan Villareal.
