In today’s edition of news and notes we’ll cover the Detroit Tigers facing off against the Washington Nationals, the bullpen finally taking shape, who is making their case for a spot on the Opening Day roster, and any more important news coming out of Tigers’ camp.
Tigers tie Nationals in 0-0 gridlock
The collective Tigers’ pitching staff had one of its best days of Spring Training, starting with Anibal Sanchez who went five strong innnings, allowing two hits, no walks and striking out five. Buck Farmer, Blaine Hardy, Jose Valdez and Rafael Dolis closed out the game for Detroit, each pitching a scoreless inning a piece.
Collectively, the staff finished the game allowing five hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters.
At the plate, James McCann and J.D. Martinez each contributed two hits in a day which the Tigers only knocked seven base hits over the entirety of the 10 innings played.
Bullpen update
In terms of the bullpen, one of the major talking points all of Spring Training has been which and how many left-handers the Tigers will bring to Detroit for Opening Day.
Ausmus again mentioned three left-handers in the bullpen to start the season is a possibility. One? “That’d be a little more surprising."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) March 19, 2015
As of now, it appears manager Brad Ausmus is leaning towards two or three left-handers in the bullpen. Tom Gorzelanny seems to be a virtual lock, but after tha,t the final few spots could fall to anyone of Ian Krol, Hardy and Kyle Ryan. Krol’s been experiencing some discomfort, but according to Anothony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, that shouldn’t have any long-term affects.
Ian Krol’s left forearm was tight yesterday. He threw a bullpen today, Brad Ausmus said, reported no soreness and should pitch tomorrow.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) March 19, 2015
Krizan and McCann make their case
In these last couple of weeks of Spring Training, the focus will be on getting healthy and finalizing the last few roster spots. As it gets closer to Opening Day, McCann and Jason Krizan have continued to make stronger and stronger cases.
James McCann rips a double just inside the third base line in the second inning. He’s 11-for-23 this spring.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) March 19, 2015
McCann has been one of the more impressive young bats during Spring Training. As a catcher, he still has Bryan Holladay and Alex Avila ahead of him on the depth chart, but he’s making it more difficult everyday for the Tigers’s to ignore him.
Brad Ausmus really is building an army of Don Kellys. OF Jordan Krizan working at 2b, 3B and 1B. Ausmus said his bat was almost MLB ready
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) March 19, 2015
It remains unclear if Krizan will be selected to make the Opening Day roster, but with his ability to play the corner outfield spots, as he has since coming into the minor league system, as well as his ability to play any infield position, as he did in high school, he could become an invaluable utility player for the Tigers once April rolls around.
