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Detroit Tigers Clips

Friday, March 11, 2016

Detroit Free Press

Tigers’ Jordan Zimmermann minimizing miscues, but many are costly (Sipple)

Detroit 6, Philadelphia 6: McCann homers, Zimmermann struggles (Sipple)

Detroit Tigers' Al Avila happy with Bruce Rondon's effort, performance (Sipple)

Detroit Tigers considering carrying three catchers? (Sipple)

Detroit Tigers' Anibal Sanchez: Bronchitis is 'bothering me a lot' (Sipple)

The Detroit News

Henning: Tigers bullpen so full, some aren’t missed (Henning)

Pitching depth allows Tigers to keep Fulmer a starter (McCosky)

Tigers’ backup catcher battle could go down to the wire (McCosky)

Arm health better but Sanchez still battling bronchitis (McCosky)

MLive.com

Could Bryan Holaday crack the Tigers' Opening Day roster? There's a chance (McMann)

Maikel Franco homers twice off Jordan Zimmermann in Tigers' tie with Phillies (McMann)

Detroit Tigers to appear on national TV 9 times in 2016 (McMann)

Tigers' Francisco Rodriguez a go for Saturday; Alex Wilson 'miserable' (McMann)

MLB.com

Zimm confident in spring progress despite 2 HRs (Zeck)

Avila sees multiple options to cover outfield (Zeck)

McCann homers, Zimm uneven against Phils (Zolecki)

Upton back after rolled ankle; Anibal progressing (Zeck)

Associated Press

Phillies' Franco homers twice off Tigers' Zimmermann (Staff)

Daily Transactions

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Tigers’ Jordan Zimmermann minimizing miscues, but many are costly March 11, 2016

By George Sipple/ Detroit Free Press

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Jordan Zimmermann gave up a pair of two-run home runs to Maikel Franco in his

second start of the spring.

But a walk to Tyler Goeddel in the first inning bugged Zimmermann more than Franco’s blasts.

“The first inning, I was flying open a little, a little out of sync,” Zimmermann said. “The first home run was a

hanging slider, which was a terrible pitch.”

Zimmerman said he tried to go up and in on a fastball on Franco’s second home run of the day and fourth of the

spring.

“Other than those two pitches, I thought it was a good day,” Zimmermann said.

The Tigers and Phillies finished in 6-6 tie on Thursday at Bright House Field.

The Tigers came back to score two runs in the ninth inning to take a 6-5 lead, before Kevin Ziomek gave up a

game-tying home run to Ryan Jackson in the bottom of the ninth.

Asked about Zimmermann, Ausmus said, “I know he gave up a couple homers, but his stuff was good.”

Zimmermann said he was aware of Franco’s power.

“He likes to get his arms extended, and you leave something over the middle, he’s going to make you pay,”

Zimmermann said.

“They got a lot of young guys on that team, and they’re a lot of free swingers. It’s a little more difficult to set

them when you know they’re probably going to be hacking. Knowing I throw a lot of strikes, they’re going to

be up there swinging.”

Zimmermann said he felt good after throwing 49 pitches. He said he’ll likely go up to around 70 in his next

start.

“Two pitches and the walk are the only thing that really killed me,” Zimmermann said. “It’s still early, and the

slider’s not quite there. It’ll come.”

Zimmermann said the slider was a bit faster than it should be. “That usually comes pretty quick, but it’s taken a

little bit this year,” he said. “It’s a little hard right now. I think it was 88-89 (m.p.h.), and I need to be 86-87.

Working on that change-up, that thing was 88-89 today. I threw it down and good action, but just a hair hard.

Work on getting that down a little bit, and I’ll be fine.”

Tigers catcher James McCann said he thought Zimmermann made just a few bad pitches to Franco.

“Everyone’s working on stuff, but Zimm I thought had good stuff,” McCann said.

Drew VerHagen made his third appearance of the spring. He allowed one hit over 11/3 innings with two

strikeouts.

“VerHagen, it’s obvious he’s feeling good just by looking at the radar gun,” McCann said. “I think as spring

goes on both of those guys are going to get more and more refined. It’s going to be fun.”

VerHagen said his release point varied from pitch to pitch.

“He was touching 95-96 (m.p.h.), heavy sink,” McCann said. “You talk to him, he’s going to say he didn’t feel

it was all coming together for him. He was rushing his delivery maybe a little bit. ... Whatever it was, he didn’t

feel 100% on the mound. And when you get results like that and you’re not feeling 100%, it says a lot.”

“Couple outings in a row he’s done that,” Ausmus said of VerHagen’s velocity being in the mid-90s.

McCann hit a two-run home run in the third inning off Phillies starter Aaron Nola. It was McCann’s first homer

of the spring.

“The more and more at-bats you get, the more locked in you’re going to feel,” McCann said. “The big thing is

seeing pitches, seeing different pitchers, too. The hardest thing is timing. There’s no amount of hitting you can

do in the off-season that’s going to prepare you for timing in a live-game situation. You can turn the machine up

to 100 miles per hour, but that’s the not same. ... Seeing that arm coming at you and then mixing in a breaking

ball — it takes time.”

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Detroit 6, Philadelphia 6: McCann homers, Zimmermann struggles

March 11, 2016

By George Sipple/ Detroit Free Press

Bright House Field, Clearwater, Fla.

What happened: James McCann hit a two-out, two-run home run to tie the game, 2-2, in the top of the third for

the Tigers. It was McCann’s first home run of the spring. Nick Castellanos, who sat out the previous two games

with back tightness, hit a one-out double in the third. …. Michael Gerber led off the ninth with a triple to right

and scored on Austin Green’s sac fly to right, tying the game, 5-5. Tommy Field hit a two-out home run to left

to give the Tigers a 6-5 lead in the ninth. The Tigers have an MLB-best 20 home runs this spring.

For starters: Jordan Zimmermann gave up pair of two-run home runs to Maikel Franco. Franco hit a two-out,

two-run homer in the first inning and hit his second two-run shot in the fourth. Zimmerman allowed four runs

on five hits and one walk over 3 2/3 innings with three strikeouts in his second start of the spring.

At the plate: Justin Upton, who left in the second inning of Wednesday’s game after rolling his left ankle, was

the DH on Thursday. He walked in the first inning and struck out swinging in the third against Phillies righty

Aaron Nola. ... Jose Iglesias batted leadoff and went 3-for-3 with a stolen base. He’s batting .368 for the spring.

… Wynton Bernard had a single and stolen base in the second inning and infield single in the fourth. …. Tyler

Collins’ RBI single in the fourth gave the Tigers a 3-2 lead. … Nate Schierholtz hit a triple in the fifth and later

scored on a fielder’s choice to tie the game, 4-4. …

On the mound: Drew VerHagen gave up one hit in 1 1/3 innings with two strikeouts. … Bobby Parnell allowed

a run on three hits and one walk over one inning with one strikeout. … Kevin Ziomek allowed a game-tying

home run to Ryan Jackson in the bottom of the ninth.

Overheard: “I felt a little erratic out there maybe just mechanically,” VerHagen said. “I feel like my release

point varied pitch to pitch. Overall I felt good. I felt strong and healthy, which at this point is most important at

this time.”

Three stars: 1. Franco, Phillies. 2. Iglesias, Tigers. 3. McCann, Tigers.

Up next: 1:05 against Astros in Kissimmee, Fla.

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Detroit Tigers' Al Avila happy with Bruce Rondon's effort, performance March 11, 2016

By George Sipple/ Detroit Free Press

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Tigers general manager Al Avila met with reporters this morning and gave a mid-

spring training update as the team eventually trims to a 25-man roster.

In discussing various scenarios regarding the pitching staff, Avila mentioned the likes of Joe Jimenez, Bruce

Rondon, Francisco Rodriguez, Shane Greene, Anibal Sanchez and Alex Wilson in positive terms. Avila said

Sanchez, who has been dealing with a triceps injury and then bronchitis, threw from 120 feet today and isn’t in

pain.

“He’s on track to get on the mound soon,” Avila said. “Alex Wilson, we’re going to take it a little slow with

him. There’s no reason to rush at this point. Same thing with (Cameron) Maybin. We’re taking a more cautious

approach. ... It’s still early in the process, and the goal here is the for the long haul, not the short term.”

Wilson, one of the team’s most reliable relievers last season, has been shut down more than a week due to a lat

strain. Maybin, who is expected to see significant time in center, could miss the start of the regular season with

a broken wrist.

In discussing some of the bullpen options, Avila seemed pleased with the progress made by both Jimenez and

Rondon.

Avila said Jimenez, a 21-year-old right-hander, could be a back-end option “in the near future.”

Avila said Jimenez could start the season at High-A Lakeland, then move when it gets warmer to Double-A

Erie. Jimenez had a 1.47 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 43 innings at Low-A West Michigan last season.

Rondon was sent home last season due to his “effort level.”

Asked where Rondon was in terms of winning back the organization, Avila said: “Well, that (last) outing that he

had sure showed what he’s capable of doing.”

Rondon’s fastball reached triple-digits multiple times with a 88-90 m.p.h. slider in his last spring outing.

“He’s been getting all his work in,” Avila said, adding Rondon has been hanging around closer Francisco

Rodriguez quite a bit. “Basically he’s been a good citizen.

“You see K-Rod go where the younger guys are, and he’s there almost every day chirping in their ear. There’s a

way to get ready for the season. There’s a way to ready on a daily basis ... of doing things on a day-to-day basis

that help you perform and stay consistent and help your team win, and that’s the message.”

Because the Tigers have so many bullpen options, they’ve already decided to start stretching out top prospect

Michael Fulmer, who will start Friday’s game in Kissimmee against the Astros.

“We feel good about some of the depth that we have,” Avila said. “We got the guys that were here last year.

Alex Wilson obviously has to come back from that injury, which we feel he will. One of the reasons we don’t

have to rush him too much is we have other guys that are doing well. (Angel) Nesbitt has been pretty impressive

himself. (Drew) VerHagen has obviously been impressive. Blaine Hardy has had a couple rough outings, but in

reality we know what Blaine Hardy can do.”

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Detroit Tigers considering carrying three catchers? March 11, 2016

By George Sipple/ Detroit Free Press

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila has toyed with the idea of carrying three

catchers on the team's 25-man roster, he said today.

James McCann will be the starter. The backup likely will be Jarrod Saltalamacchia, a switch-hitter. Bryan

Holaday, meanwhile, is out of options but is hitting .636 with with nine RBIs in five spring games.

“He’s been great for us,” Avila said of Holaday. “Obviously, he’s well-liked here. But Saltalamacchia has also

done well and, obviously, we brought him in because of the left-hand bat.

“At some point, a decision is going to have to be made. We’ve even kicked around where maybe we keep all

three catchers. That’ll be very difficult to do. Don’t write that we’re going to keep three catchers because, at this

point, that would be a very hard thing to do.

“Catching is at a premium. I’m sure there might be a team or two out there that may need a backup catcher. I

know there’s plenty of teams that would like to upgrade, even at Triple-A, for that third catcher.”

Short-term in center? Avila said the Tigers are not seeking a short-team fill-in with centerfielder Cameron

Maybin out with a broken wrist. Avila today mentioned Wynton Bernard and Tyler Collins as short-term

possibilities to make the roster out of spring training.

“Main thing is, when he does have at-bats, he’ll have to make contact,” Avila said of Bernard. “That is one

good option, but we have other options. I mean, Collins can go out there, too.

“If anything becomes longer term, our scouts are out there. They know what may or may not be available if

anything happens. But right now, we don’t feel that need.”

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Detroit Tigers' Anibal Sanchez: Bronchitis is 'bothering me a lot' March 11, 2016

By George Sipple/ Detroit Free Press

It has been almost two weeks, and Detroit Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez, between coughs, said this morning that

he's still bothered by a bronchial issue.

Asked whether it has affected his energy level, Sanchez said: "Of course. That's why I'm going slow. I can't run

that much; sometimes, it's really hard to breathe. I've got, like, bronchitis. But I don't know. I've never had that

before.

"Hit me hard. It's bothering me a lot."

Sanchez said he continues to take antibiotics.

"It's really hard for me," he said. "The only way that I feel good is when I'm not talking. I don't have to open my

mouth and receive air from my mouth."

Sanchez, who also has been dealing with a triceps injury, said he's going to face hitters in practice Thursday.

"After that, let's see," he said.

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Henning: Tigers bullpen so full, some aren’t missed March 11, 2016

By Lynn Henning/ The Detroit News

Clearwater, Fla. — With the usual mix of sore arms and fat pitches sure to alter things during these final three

weeks of spring camp, the Tigers are writing in very soft cement any plans for an Opening Day pitching staff.

But you can see it taking shape. And if they were to break camp today, with five starters essentially unchanged,

only the Tigers bullpen would be a mystery.

Here’s the way it would shake out if manager Brad Ausmus went by all the evidence so far gleaned from 11

Grapefruit League games and nearly a month of practice-field auditions.

Francisco Rodriguez. Mark Lowe. Justin Wilson. Drew VerHagen. Bruce Rondon. Kyle Ryan. Blaine Hardy.

There are your probable seven relievers — today, anyway.

Why the above group is interesting, and why general manager Al Avila’s offseason work is looking even

sturdier, is because of the pitchers who today would not crack the 25-man, big league roster.

Alex Wilson: Last year’s Most Valuable Reliever (an award just invented and conferred) has a tender shoulder

and hasn’t come close to throwing a pitch in a game. Had the Tigers thought a month or more ago Wilson

would be on the shelf, they’d have been asking for a pharmacy’s heaviest anti-anxiety remedy. But he’s barely

been missed.

Shane Greene: He was viewed as possible bullpen ballast after last year’s arterial surgery fixed a scary problem

that sabotaged his 2015 season. Greene is throwing with his old Yankees-days zest. But he needs work, as a

more precious starter, and probably begins the year at Triple A Toledo, which should be good for him and for

the Tigers.

Michael Fulmer: He, too, nearly got a bullpen draft notice. But the Tigers for now have enough relievers that a

prized prospect can continue his rotation apprenticeship at Toledo. Full-time work in Detroit is not far away.

Meanwhile, a guy who could always spot-start in a pinch, Matt Boyd, is all but sure to be buffed and polished at

Toledo, as is that half-forgotten kid with the big arm, Angel Nesbitt, who is throwing 97 and 98 mph. Nesbitt

should be an easy call-up as soon as the disabled list opens for business.

A simple deduction is there are more capable arms in Tigers camp in 2016 than has been seen in Florida in

years. There is quantity and a surprising amount of quality. As much, anyway, as can be forecasted in any year

where pitching is always at a premium.

Call to arms has answers

Just as obvious is that a fair amount of shuffling and mixing will be done as throbbing elbows or sky-high ERAs

keep that Toledo-Comerica Park shuttle bus humming.

Begin with some facts of life sure to attack Ausmus’ rotation to see how this sudden — and maybe illusory —

depth could be a season-saver.

There simply are more decent arms in Tigers camp in 2016 than typically has been true. The question, as

always, is whether quality can catch up with the quantity Avila brought this year to Lakeland.

Begin with Ausmus’ rotation. And with a few inevitable realities.

Anibal Sanchez is a first fact of life. Expecting him to pitch six months minus a stint on the DL is a happy

thought for the Tigers, especially if Justin Verlander and Jordan Zimmermann can go the distance. But, based

on history, Sanchez isn’t a great percentage bet to make 30-plus starts.

Daniel Norris is 22 and, incredibly, has never thrown more than 90 innings in a professional season. He will

need to skip the occasional start just as he’ll require some early exits as the Tigers watch his workload.

Mike Pelfrey is for now Ausmus’ fifth starter. But he had a tough second half in 2015 and owns a career 4.52

ERA. So, the potential for him stumbling, or needing a bullpen sabbatical, is plausible.

Feel free to envision in 2016 Greene, Boyd, or Fulmer taking their share of scenic travels along I-75 as the

Tigers deal with a team’s normal need for anywhere from six to 10 starters.

Nice to have options

A bullpen that looks amazingly strong in March will have its breakdowns, as well. What’s startling is how much

has changed in that old Tigers trouble spot.

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Fans scarred by Rondon’s past will be nervous about trusting him in any long-term role. But strange as it will

seem to his doubters, Rondon has the stuff to ride shotgun in those late innings and be a force. He’s back from

Tommy John surgery and is throwing his old high-octane gas, in tandem with a slider.

Mix in VerHagen, who is nearly as heavy on the throttle as Rondon, and a bullpen now featuring K-Rod, Lowe,

and Justin Wilson, has a far different look, with left-handers Ryan and Hardy ranking as reasonably safe fits.

Nesbitt will be in Toledo tuning up. So, too, will Joe Jimenez, who next to Fulmer might be the best young

pitcher in Detroit’s system. He’ll be at Double A Erie and a quick trip from Detroit if his progress and a team’s

needs are a match.

Not for a moment does any of this imply Detroit’s pitching, 27th out of 30 teams in 2015, has turned into a

world-beater. What it means is there should be comfortable options the Tigers in the past eight or more years

haven’t come close to knowing.

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Pitching depth allows Tigers to keep Fulmer a starter March 11, 2016

By Chris McCosky/ The Detroit News

Clearwater, Fla. – When Michael Fulmer was listed as the starting pitcher for the game against the Astros

Friday, manager Brad Ausmus told reporters not to read anything into it.

There is no need to now. General manager Al Avila removed all the mystery.

“We’re stretching Fulmer out,” Avila said before the game here Thursday.

Stretching him out means the Tigers’ immediate plan for the strong-armed rookie is to use him as a starter, most

likely beginning the season in the rotation at Triple-A Toledo.

“If all of a sudden we were short (on relief pitching), he’d be the obvious guy you’d look at,” Avila said. “But

right now, it’s in his best interest to be a starter.”

The long-range plan for Fulmer, who was acquired from the Mets in the Yoenis Cespedes trade last July, was

always as a starter. He projects to be a top-of-the-rotation guy. But in the short term, the Tigers were thinking

he could help the club now out of the bullpen.

Avila and his staff no longer feel that will be necessary.

“We feel real good about our depth right now,” Avila said.

Ausmus said the Tigers may have stretched Fulmer out regardless of his role, simply because it would be easier

for him to throw less innings once he was stretched out than to throw more innings if he wasn’t.

“You don’t want to rush a guy and stunt his development,” Ausmus said. “But the question is, would it have

stunted his development? I can’t give you an answer to that right now.”

Presently there are three openings in the Tigers’ seven-man bullpen. Closer Francisco Rodriguez, set-up men

Justin Wilson and Mark Lowe, plus left-hander Blaine Hardy are virtual locks to break camp with the club.

Alex Wilson would be included in that group, but he has been slowed by rotator cuff fatigue.

“We believe he is going to come back but we don’t have to rush him because we have other guys,” Avila said.

Bruce Rondon, Drew VerHagen, Angel Nesbitt, Kyle Ryan, Bobby Parnell and Logan Kensing have all pitched

well thus far this spring. In addition, Shane Greene and Buck Farmer, both being stretched out as starters, could

also be used in relief if necessary.

“Another player who’s been impressive is Joe Jimenez,” Avila said. “Joe is a guy we look at and say, ‘He’s a

guy who can be one of our back end bullpen guys in the near future.' That’s been really good for us.”

Avila believes Jimenez will pitch the bulk of the season at Double-A Erie, though he could start in High-A

Lakeland for a couple of weeks until the weather stabilizes up north.

Bottom line, though, is the depth Avila and his staff have accumulated since the end of last season is keeping

the Tigers from having to force a square peg into a round hole – using Fulmer as a reliever.

“The development process is better when you are a starter,” Avila said. “You get more chances to throw more

of your pitches. It’s best for him to be a starting pitcher.”

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Tigers’ backup catcher battle could go down to the wire

March 11, 2016

By Chris McCosky/ The Detroit News

Clearwater, Fla. – Here’s what we know about the backup catcher battle right now – the Tigers won’t keep three

catchers on the 25-man roster.

“We kicked around the possibility of keeping three catchers,” general manager Al Avila said Thursday. “But

that is very difficult to do. Don’t write that we’re keeping three catchers because we aren’t.”

That means one of the contestants -- Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Bryan Holaday – will make the team and be

James McCann's backup.

The other will most likely be traded.

“Catching is at a premium,” Avila said. “I am sure there is a team or two that would need a backup catcher. And

I know there are plenty of teams that would like an upgrade at Triple-A for a third catcher.

“Catching is always one of those positions where everyone is always looking to upgrade.”

Holaday has made this a tough battle. The Tigers signed the switch-hitting Saltalamacchia thinking he’d be the

backup and provide a much-needed left-handed bat off the bench.

Holaday, though, has hit his way into the conversation -- .636 average, a 1.636 slugging percentage with three

home runs, two doubles, 18 total bases in 11 at-bats. Spring training numbers are taken with a grain of salt – but

those are too gaudy to dismiss.

“We’ve always liked Doc,” Avila said. “He’s been good for us. He’s well-liked here. But Saltalamacchia has

also done well. We brought him in because of his left-hand bat. This will play out toward the end of spring.”

Saltalamacchia is hitting .500 with two homers, two doubles and 13 total bases.

“It’s good that both are doing well,” Avila said. “It’s hard that we like both and at some point a decision is

going to have to be made.”

What the Tigers will ultimately have to determine is whether they feel Holaday can produce right-handed close

to what they project to get from the left side with Saltalamacchia. There is no question about Holaday’s value

defensively, in handling the pitching staff or in the clubhouse.

Though it wouldn’t impact the decision between Holaday and Saltalamacchia, the uncertainty regarding the

health of center fielder Cameron Maybin (fractured wrist) is also a factor in how the 25-man roster may look at

the end of camp.

“A lot of what happens on the periphery of the roster with the position players is going to (depend) on Maybin’s

health,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “Will he be ready? If not, how long before he is ready? That could change

who is remaining on the roster depending on how much time he’ll miss, if he misses any at all.”

Players seemingly most impacted by that, though, are outfielders Tyler Collins and Wynton Bernard, also

possibly the two utility players, Mike Aviles and Andrew Romine.

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Arm health better but Sanchez still battling bronchitis

March 11, 2016

By Chris McCosky/ The Detroit News

Clearwater, Fla. – Anibal Sanchez can’t catch a break, or his breath.

After spending the offseason diligently working out, getting his body not only stronger but more flexible,

inflammation flared up in his lower right triceps after one of his first bullpen sessions in February.

That set him back a couple of weeks. The inflammation and pain are mostly gone now, but he can’t seem to

shake a persistent case of bronchitis.

“I’ve never had this before,” he said. “It’s giving me a hard time. It’s bothering me a lot.”

He has to stop every few words to either catch his breath or dry-cough into a towel. His energy level is low and

conversation is nearly impossible.

“I got back from my injury, the soreness is gone, but I can’t talk, like I can’t have long conversations,” Sanchez

said. “I can’t breathe. When I do I feel, like, my chest (gets) tight. This is really hard for me. The only time I

feel good is when I don’t talk because I don’t have to open my mouth and I don’t have to get air from my

mouth.”

He’s been taking antibiotics for nearly two weeks and if there’s been any lessening of the symptoms, it’s been

slight.

Still, he continues to work his way toward his first spring start. He has thrown a couple of bullpens and will

pitch live batting practice Friday. In terms of his arm health, he could be ready to make a spring start next week.

But the bronchitis is his nemesis now.

“Everything is just in the process now,” Sanchez said. “I will face hitters tomorrow and after that, we will see

what happens.”

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Could Bryan Holaday crack the Tigers' Opening Day roster? There's a chance March 11, 2016

By Aaron McMann/ MLive.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Could Bryan Holaday make the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day roster?

It's not a done deal -- there's still three weeks and lots of games left in spring training -- but general manager Al

Avila said Thursday the club has considered taking three catchers into the start of the season.

Detroit signed veteran Jarrod Saltalamacchia in December with the full intention of making him the backup, but

Holaday's start to spring has Avila and Tigers manager Brad Ausmus considering options to keep him on the

team.

"We've always liked Doc. He's been great for us, and obviously he's well liked here," Avila said. "But

Saltalamacchia has also done very well, and obviously we brought him in because of a left-handed bat. That

will play out toward the end of spring training and we'll see how it goes."

Holaday is 7-for-11 with three home runs and nine RBIs in five spring training games. He hasn't played in the

last two, but had a hard-hit single Tuesday in the Tigers' 6-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

What could make the difference whether Holaday stays or goes -- he would have to be placed on the waiver

wire, and likely get picked up elsewhere, should Detroit decide not to keep him -- is the situation playing out in

the outfield.

Cameron Maybin, expected to share duties with Anthony Gose in centerfield, is out another three to five weeks

with a broken left wrist, creating an additional roster spot should he not be available in time for Opening Day

April 5 at Miami.

"We have talked about it, yeah," Ausmus said, on having three catchers.

"The peripheral for positions will be dependent on Maybin's health," Ausmus said. "Will he be ready? If not,

how long until he's ready? That'll come into play. The shorter the term, it could change who remains on the

roster depending on how long and how much time he's going to miss in the regular season."

One potential option the Tigers could make to keep Holaday, at least temporarily, would be moving utility man

Mike Aviles. Though primarily an infielder, Aviles played five games in centerfield for the Cleveland Indians in

2015 and four in 2014.

The Tigers played Holaday at third base in a game March 4 vs. New York.

Not to be outdone, Saltalamacchia is 5-for-10 with two home runs and five RBIs. He's assuredly not going

anywhere, which means the Tigers could choose to take Holaday into the regular season with them or try and

trade him.

"It's hard that you like both, and at some point a decision is going to have to be made," Avila said. "We've even

kicked around where maybe we keep all three catchers. But that would be very difficult to do, so don't write that

we're going to keep three catchers because at this point that would be a very hard thing to do."

13

Maikel Franco homers twice off Jordan Zimmermann in Tigers' tie with Phillies

March 11, 2016

By Aaron McMann/ MLive.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Home runs have come with regularity this spring for the Detroit Tigers.

On Thursday, the long ball came back to bite them.

Maikel Franco homered twice off Detroit starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann and the Tigers tied a game with

the Philadelphia Phillies, 6-6, at Bright House Field.

Franco, who hit 14 home runs and had 50 RBIs in 80 games last season, hit two-run homers in the first and

fourth innings.

He hit a 1-1 slider with two outs in the first inning to put the Phillies up 2-0, then followed up in the fourth by

blasting a fast ball over the fence in left field.

The Tigers took a 6-5 lead after prospect Tommy Field highlighted a two-run ninth inning with a home run to

left field. But reliever Kevin Ziomek gave up a leadoff home run to Ryan Jackson in the bottom of the inning.

James McCann hit a two-run home run in the third inning. The Tigers now have an MLB-leading 21 home runs.

Detroit (6-4-1) plays the Houston Astros at 1:05 p.m. Friday in Kissimmee.

Game notes

• Zimmermann pitched 3 2/3 innings in his second start, bookmarked by difficult first and third innings. His

final line: 5 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 Ks. He threw 49 pitches.

• Nick Castellanos, after missing the last two games with a sore lower back, started at third base and went 1-for-

3 with a double. He scored in the third inning.

• Right-handed pitcher Drew VerHagen allowed one hit in 1 1/3 innings of relief for Zimmermann. He struck

out two and has now struck out four in his last 2 1/3 innings.

• Wynton Bernard, a short-term candidate for playing time in centerfield, went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, a

stolen base and run scored.

• Jose Iglesias was 3-for-3 with a double and reached base four times. It was Iglesias' first multi-hit game of the

spring.

14

Detroit Tigers to appear on national TV 9 times in 2016 March 11, 2016

By Aaron McMann/ MLive.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Get ready for primetime.

The Detroit Tigers will appear on national television at least nine times during the 2016 season, in telecasts on

ESPN, the FOX national network and FS1.

It was already announced the Tigers' April 10 home game against the New York Yankees would be televised as

part of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, but six more games have been picked up by FS1 and two by FOX.

All of the nationally televised games are listed below:

April 10 vs. New York -- 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

April 21 at Kansas City -- 7 p.m, ET, FS1

May 7 vs. Texas -- 1 p.m., FS1

June 11 at New York Yankees -- 7 p.m., FOX

June 18 at Kansas City -- 8 p.m., FOX

July 16 vs. Kansas City -- 7 p.m., FS1

Aug. 27 vs. Los Angeles Angels -- 7 p.m., FS1

Sept. 3 at Kansas City -- 7 p.m., FS1

Sept. 17 at Cleveland -- 4 p.m., FS1

Fox Sports Detroit and Fox Sports Detroit PLUS will air 152 games, while one game -- Sept. 4 at Kansas City --

has not been assigned a network.

It's also important to note that ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball telecasts have been determined through May.

Meaning, if the Tigers are winning games and in the hunt in the American League Central, expect to see

additional games picked up.

15

Tigers' Francisco Rodriguez a go for Saturday; Alex Wilson 'miserable' March 11, 2016

By Aaron McMann/ MLive.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- All signs are a go for Francisco Rodriguez.

The Detroit Tigers closer is expected to pitch in his first spring game on Saturday, March 12, against the

Pittsburgh Pirates after throwing his second batting practice on Wednesday.

Rodriguez, who arrived a week late to spring training, has now thrown two bullpen sessions and two batting

practices. He's said he only needs to throw in five to six spring games to ready for the season.

"As far as I know, Saturday is a go," Ausmus said. "I haven't heard anything this morning, so I'm assuming he's

fine. Unless I hear something between now and the end of the day, I would imagine Saturday is a go."

Picked up in a November trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, Rodriguez was 1-3 with a 2.21 ERA and 38 saves

in 2015.

• Meanwhile, reliever Alex Wilson was scheduled to pick up a baseball and throw again Thursday after being

shut down again earlier this week.

The right-hander has been dealing with a sore lat muscle in his right shoulder, a different part of his shoulder

than last season when he was diagnosed with bicep tendinitis.

"It's going to be all pending on how I feel from here on out," said Wilson, who was 3-3 with a 2.19 ERA in 59

games last season.

Antsy?

"I'm miserable right now," Wilson said. "I've got to do something."

• Anibal Sanchez, still dealing with a bout of bronchitis, is on track to throw live batting practice on Friday.

Sanchez threw his second live batting practice on Wednesday, and from 120 feet today, could make his first

spring start next week and be ready for the regular season pending any further complications.

"I think if he stays on course from here on out, he's going to be fine," Ausmus said. "We can get him up to 90

pitches."

16

Zimm confident in spring progress despite 2 HRs March 11, 2016

By Greg Zeck/ MLB.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The wind was blowing out to left field -- a right-handed batter's dream -- and Jordan

Zimmermann took the brunt of it in the Tigers' 6-6 tie with the Phillies on Thursday.

Zimmermann gave up a pair of two-run homers to Maikel Franco during an otherwise fine start in which he

lasted 3 2/3 innings. On the day he had three strikeouts, but gave up four runs on five hits and a walk.

"Everything was good. I got my pitches in," Zimmermann said of his 49-pitch outing.

Minus the one walk, the only real problems he had were on a fastball and slider to Franco.

"Other than those two pitches [to Franco], I thought it was a good day," said Zimmermann. "He likes to get his

arms extended, so if you give him something over the middle, he's going to make you pay."

Zimmermann said the wind likely played a factor in locating his slider as well.

"The little cross-wind wasn't helping me much, wasn't helping much with the spin," Zimmermann said. "It's

going to be a little harder on days like this."

Zimmermann's likely batterymate for the year will be James McCann, who said Thursday's game was just the

second time all spring he's caught Zimmermann. McCann added that there's already good chemistry between

the two, and he's looking forward to the regular season.

"[Zimmermann is] a bulldog -- he wants the ball, he wants to be on the rubber, he wants to go," McCann said.

"It's going to be exciting and a lot of fun to catch him. He's got very good stuff."

A two-time All-Star with a career 3.32 ERA in 178 starts, Zimmerman was a key addition to the Tigers' rotation

this year, signing a five-year, $110 million contract.

With roughly four starts left in spring, Zimmermann figures to work up to about 70 pitches in his next outing as

he continues to get stretched out.

"I feel good. I feel healthy," Zimmermann said. "The slider is not quite there. ... I just have to work on getting

that down a little bit, and I'll be fine."

17

Avila sees multiple options to cover outfield

March 11, 2016

By Greg Zeck/ MLB.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Detroit general manager Al Avila said he's having problems determining the Opening

Day roster -- but that they're good ones.

On one hand, some players, like righty Shane Greene, are coming back from injuries that caused them to miss

major time last year, so the Tigers are getting an infusion of talent. On the other, players like Bryan Holaday

have played so well in spring that making a cut could seem unjust. Avila spoke to the media before Thursday's

game against the Phillies to share how he thinks the roster is shaping up.

"So far it's been a positive spring," Avila said. "A couple setbacks with some minor injuries, but I think we'll get

through them."

As far as the outfield looks, Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez are expected to play the corner spots. With

Cameron Maybin out due to a fractured left wrist, Anthony Gose would appear to be penciled in at center. Tyler

Collins is probably the favorite to be the fourth outfielder, leaving Nate Schierholtz, Wynton Bernard and John

Mayberry Jr., left to battle for roster space.

"We have good options," Avila said of the vacancy Maybin created. "Short term, we think we can cover that. If

it's long term, our scouts are out there and know what may be available. But right now, we don't feel that need."

The bullpen battle is also heating up, with Drew VerHagen, Bruce Rondon, Kyle Ryan, Buck Farmer, Jose

Valdez, Jeff Ferrell and Angel Nesbitt seemingly competing for spots.

"That's one area we feel good about some of the depth we have," Avila said. "We have a lot of guys that are

doing well."

Holaday, meanwhile, entered Thursday with seven hits in 11 at-bats, including three home runs. While James

McCann and Jarrod Saltalamacchia have more experience, Holaday's stellar play has Avila considering

something unconventional.

"We've even kicked it around where maybe we keep all three catchers," Avila said. "But that would be very

difficult to do."

What Avila was absolutely sure of, though, is that there will be changes throughout the year as injuries and

performance affect the squad.

18

McCann homers, Zimm uneven against Phils

March 11, 2016

By Todd Zolecki/ MLB.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco looks ready for Opening Day. He hit a pair of

home runs Thursday afternoon in a 6-6 tie with the Tigers in a Grapefruit League game at Bright House Field.

The Phillies took a one-run lead into the ninth, but Ernesto Frieri allowed a pair of runs, one on a Thomas Field

homer. Phils second baseman Ryan Jackson tied the game with a solo homer of his own off Kevin Ziomek to

open the bottom of the ninth.

Franco hit a two-run homer in the first inning against Jordan Zimmermann and another two-run shot off the

Tigers righty in the fourth.

"They have a lot of young guys on that team and a lot of free swingers," said Zimmermann. "It's a little more

difficult to set them up when you know they're going to be hacking."

Franco has four home runs this spring.

"A little bit," Franco said, asked if he feels locked in offensively.

Zimmermann allowed five hits, four runs and one walk and struck out three in 3 2/3 innings. Phillies right-

hander Aaron Nola allowed four hits, two runs and one walk in 2 2/3 innings. He struck out four.

Nola gave up a two-run home run to Tigers catcher James McCann in the third inning.

"The more at-bats you get, the more locked in you feel," McCann said. "The big thing is just seeing pitches and

seeing different pitchers."

Tyler Collins singled to score a run in the fourth inning against Phillies left-hander Daniel Stumpf to give the

Tigers a 3-2 lead. After Franco's second homer, the Tigers tied the game in the fifth when Nate Schierholtz

scored, despite being caught in a rundown at third base.

Darnell Sweeney put the Phils ahead in the sixth when he scored from second on an Angelys Nina single and a

Tigers error.

Up next for the Tigers: The Tigers travel to Kissimmee, Fla., to take on the Astros in a 1:05 p.m. ET game on

Friday. Michael Fulmer, ranked as Detroit's No. 1 prospect by MLBpipeline.com, will be on the bump as the

starter. He hasn't allowed a run in four innings of work this spring. Listen to the game live on Gameday Audio.

Up next for the Phillies: Phillies right-hander David Buchanan will start Friday afternoon against the Braves in

Lake Buena Vista, Fla., at 1:05 p.m. ET. Right-hander Charlie Morton had been scheduled to start, but he is out

with the flu. The bug scratched Jeremy Hellickson from his scheduled start Wednesday. Listen to the game live

on an exclusive webcast.

19

Upton back after rolled ankle; Anibal progressing

March 11, 2016

By Greg Zeck/ MLB.com

CLEARWATER Fla. -- Tigers manager Brad Ausmus gave positive news on the team's injury front on

Thursday. Not only was outfielder Justin Upton feeling better after rolling his left ankle Wednesday, but

Ausmus put him into the lineup as the designated hitter against the Phillies after Upton texted him asking to

play.

Upton left Wednesday's game against the Nationals in the second inning after center fielder Anthony Gose

accidently spiked Upton in a near collision.

"I talked to him this morning, and he said he was good to go," Ausmus said. "It wasn't the spike, it was Gose's

foot that landed on top of [Upton's ankle] and caused it to roll."

That's good news for Detroit, which is already shorthanded in the outfield after center fielder Cameron Maybin

suffered a fractured left wrist a week ago.

Starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez, dealing with bronchitis, is scheduled to pitch live batting practice Friday. He

has been limited for the past two weeks because of bronchitis. On Tuesday, the right-hander threw a 50-pitch

bullpen session, and he is trending in the right direction, according to Ausmus.

"He was working out this morning in the weight room, so he must be feeling better," Ausmus said. "He's on

track for live BP, and then we'll take it from there."

Ausmus was not worried about the 32-year-old's conditioning or the fact that Sanchez hasn't pitched in a

Grapefruit League game yet.

"If [Sanchez] stays on course from here, we should be fine," Ausmus said. "He should be able to get to 90

pitches or so."

20

Phillies' Franco homers twice off Tigers' Zimmermann

March 11, 2016

By Associated Press/ Associated Press Staff

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) -- Maikel Franco hit a pair of two-run homers off Jordan Zimmermann, giving him

four in the eight spring training games he has played this year and helping the Philadelphia Phillies tie the

Detroit Tigers 6-6 Thursday.

The 23-year-old hit 14 home runs in 80 games last year during his breakout rookie season, cut short by a wrist

injury in August.

"He looks so much different than he has in past springs," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "I think he feels

he's in for a big year, and I'm hoping he is."

Zimmermann allowed four runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings.

"He likes to get his arm extended and if you leave something over the middle, he's going to make you pay,"

Zimmermann said of Franco. "They have a lot of young guys on that team, and they're free swingers. It's a little

more difficult to set them up when you know they're probably going to be hacking and knowing I throw a lot of

strikes, they're going to be up there swinging."

Zimmermann signed a $110 million, five-year contract with the Tigers after spending his first seven big league

seasons with Washington. He threw 49 pitches.

"I feel good," Zimmermann said. "I'm right where I need to be. Hopefully, I'll get up to 70 or so in the next start

and keep building from that. I feel good, feel healthy."

Philadelphia led 5-4 entering the ninth inning, but Ernesto Frieri gave up a sacrifice fly and a home run to

consecutive batters.

STARTING TIME

Tigers: Zimmermann was upbeat about his second game. "Other than those two pitches and the walk, they were

the only things that killed me," he said. "It's still early. The slider isn't quite there, but it'll come."

Phillies: Aaron Nola gave up a wind-aided two-run homer to James McCann in the third inning. Nola has

allowed six earned runs in 4 2/3 innings in two starts.

"I feel like I should be better than I was making some pitches that I did today," Nola said. "But I'm going to

continue towork in my throwing sessions and my side sessions as camp goes on."

TRAINER'S ROOM

Phillies: OF/INF Cody Asche had an MRI on his ailing right oblique that showed a grade 1 strain. He remains

day to day but has been stopped from the light hitting work he had been doing in the last week. ... RHP Charlie

Morton was scratched from his scheduled start on Friday with flu-like symptoms. ... 1B Ryan Howard, who was

out of the lineup for most of the last week with flu-like symptoms, is to return to the lineup Friday against the

Braves.

Tigers: OF Justin Upton was back in Detroit's lineup on Thursday after being pulled from Wednesday's game in

the second inning. Upton had turned his left ankle in a near-collision in the outfield with Anthony Gose on

Thursday.

CUTS

Three of the Phillies top pitching prospects were reassigned to minor league camp: RHPs Mark Appel, Jake

Thompson and Zach Eflin.

UP NEXT

Tigers: RHP Michael Fulmer is to pitch against Houston at Kissimmee.

Phillies: RHP David Buchanan is to face Atlanta at Kissimmee.

21

LAST UPDATED: FRI, MARCH 11, 2016, 01:22 EST

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION

Baltimore Orioles Pedro ??lvarez Signed as Free Agent, ( 2016)(one-year contract)

Chicago Cubs Rex Brothers Released

Detroit Tigers Randy Wolf Retired

Washington Nationals Taylor Jordan Sent to Minors

Washington Nationals Matt Grace Sent to Minors

Washington Nationals Wilmer Difo Sent to Minors

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION

San Diego Padres Skip Schumaker Retired

Tampa Bay Rays Justin O'Conner Sent to Minors

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION

Atlanta Braves Phil Coke Signed to a Minor League Contract