Clearwater, Fla. — Ian Krol threw a curveball when he pitched for the Tigers in 2014 and 2015. But he didn’t throw this curveball, not the one he’s featured in his three scoreless, hitless outings this spring, the one that’s helped him record six punchouts, the one that may push him into the Tigers’ pitching plans at some point this season.
“He’s getting an opportunity to show he belongs back or near this level,” manager AJ Hinch said Tuesday after Krol got the final four outs in a 6-5 spring win over the Yankees.