Bradenton, Fla. — Roster debates as the Tigers get ready for Opening Day were trimmed, a bit dramatically Friday, when manager AJ Hinch announced Casey Mize had made his starting rotation, and that Derek Holland and Michael Fulmer have won bullpen jobs.
Mize struck out nine in four innings in Thursday night’s game against the Blue Jays as he unveiled the power and finesse that three years ago made him the MLB Draft’s first-overall pick.
Holland, 34, and a left-handed specialist, has had a stunning spring, pitching in seven games spanning eight innings. He has not allowed a run, has struck out 13, while walking one.