Detroit Tigers pitching coach Rick Anderson thought he’d have to start all over again, much like a prototypical spring training.
Instead, he returned to Comerica Park last week to find his pitchers in shape and ready to throw as the team prepares for the July 24 season opener in Cincinnati.
A sigh of relief.
“It’s been really, really amazing what these guys have done,” Anderson said. “Every one of them stayed in shape and kept throwing. It’s been really impressive.”
Three top pitching prospects — right-handers Casey Mize, Matt Manning and Franklin Perez — have thrown bullpens or live batting practice.