Drew Smyly Back To Bullpen (For Now)
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - When the Detroit Tigers traded solid starting pitcher Doug Fister this offseason, they did so with the knowledge they had another serviceable starter waiting in the wings in 24-year-old Drew Smyly.
Smyly pitched out of the bullpen in 2013, recording an ERA of 2.37 as the most reliable reliever for the Tigers last season.
Barring a second consecutive rainout, however, Smyly's 2014 debut as a starter will be delayed.
Tigers manager Brad Ausmus told reporters Friday morning that the rotation for the weekend series against Baltimore will include Anibal Sanchez, Rick Porcello and Justin Verlander. Smyly's start will be skipped, and Ausmus said Smyly will pitch out of the bullpen during the five-game West Coast road trip that follows.