DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers bullpen, respectable if not infallible through the first three weeks of the season, is starting to show some cracks.
Veteran right-hander Alex Wilson has had a "spotty" start to the season, as manager Ron Gardenhire put it, and his worst moments have come at the worst times.
Like Sunday.
Drew VerHagen and Buck Farmer, two lanky converted starters who made the team after strong springs, have been similarly inconsistent, particularly when it comes to finding the plate.
On Sunday, VerHagen's lack of control made hitters nervous.
The bad afternoon for the bullpen rapidly turned starting pitcher Francisco Liriano's no-hitter-in-progress into an 8-5 defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Royals.