DETROIT -- A Major League bullpen can be like a lineup in the sense that different parts within it can go hot and cold at different times. It can be different, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said, in that it's more difficult to move pieces around in a bullpen when a reliever goes cold than when a hitter does. That presents a difficult spot for the Tigers with lefty Justin Wilson.
A few weeks ago, Wilson was the bright spot in a Detroit bullpen that was looking like the strength of the team. His 11 consecutive scoreless innings to begin the year -- eight hits allowed, two walks and 15 strikeouts -- made him look like the shrewdest acquisition of general manager Al Avila's first offseason in charge.