CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Detroit Tigers plan to use a 12-man pitching staff to start the season, a decision that very likely cost left-hander Chad Bell a spot on the roster.
But the extra spot now available on the bench could be good news for one of the three position players whose status remains undecided.
Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said the team optioned Bell and fellow lefty Blaine Hardy to minor-league camp a few days early so they could get some extra work before the Mud Hens' season starts.
"By going with a 12-man staff, these are some of the moves we had to make," he said.