Your Very Probable Opening Day Tigers

This morning, the Detroit Tigers made a flurry of announcements concerning their 2013 roster. As of today, we finally have a short-term resolution for the six starters conundrum, with Rick Porcello headed for the rotation and Drew Smyly the bullpen. Further, barring an unforeseen move, Matt Tuiasosopo will make the team as the right-handed outfield bat to spell primary left fielder Andy Dirks. The active roster sits at 30 players now, so some cuts still need to be made. It remains to be seen, for sure, whether Bruce Rondon and Don Kelly will have spots. Assuming they will, and I believe it’s fairly safe to assume so, here’s what Jim Leyland’s club will look like in six days when they open the regular season in Minnesota:

Manager Jim Leyland told reporters Drew Smyly made the bullpen because he’s one of the 12 best pitchers the Tigers have under contract. (Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports)

Lineup:

Austin Jackson (CF, RH)
Torii Hunter (RF, RH)
Miguel Cabrera (3B, RH)
Prince Fielder (1B, LH)
Victor Martinez (DH, SH)
Andy Dirks (LF, LH)
Jhonny Peralta (SS, RH)
Alex Avila (C, LH)
Omar Infante (2B, RH)

Bench:

Brayan Pena (C, RH)
Ramon Santiago (INF, SH)
Matt Tuiasosopo (IF/OF, RH)
Don Kelly (IF/OF, LH)

Dave Dombrowski has assembled one of the best Tiger teams on paper in recent history. (Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

Rotation:

Justin Verlander (RH)
Max Scherzer (RH)
Doug Fister (RH)
Anibal Sanchez (RH)
Rick Porcello (RH)

Bullpen:

Bruce Rondon (CL, RH)
Joaquin Benoit (RH)
Octavio Dotel (RH)
Phil Coke (LH)
Al Alburquerque (RH)
Brayan Villarreal (RH)
Drew Smyly (LR, LH)