Detroit Tigers Links: Verlander washed out, Torii’s kiss & looking to Toronto for LF help (again)

Justin Verlander works to straighten out mechanics on side after first scheduled start is washed out – Chris Iott, MLive

"Verlander was scheduled to take the mound Thursday afternoon for the first time since undergoing core muscle surgery in the offseason, but the game between the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies was called due to rain about 10 minutes after it was scheduled to begin.“It felt pretty good,” Verlander said. “I’m still making some mechanical adjustments. … I think I’m getting there. I threw like this for a year. My body wants to fall back into that naturally, because it’s a whole year worth of muscle memory that I’m fighting right now. I’ve always been good at it. I’ve got a good feel for my body, and I’m able to make adjustments quickly. It’s moving along.”"

It would have been nice seeing Justin Verlander against live, opposing batters. While most of us don’t put too much on spring performances, for someone slowly coming back from injury, it would be enlightening. Though aside from not pitching in Spring Training’s first two weeks, Verlander is really only a week or two behind his normal off-season schedule.

Detroit Tigers’ Torii Hunter says he didn’t actually kiss alligator – AP

"Torii Hunter claims he didn’t actually kiss an alligator.The Detroit Tigers outfielder was featured in a viral photo from spring training that showed him puckering up next to the bounded mouth of a gator — but he told reporters today that he was just “on the backside of it” and there was no kiss."

C’mon, Torii’s not the type to kiss and tell.

Iglesias, Tigers optimistic about solution to shin woes – Jason Beck, MLB.com

"The good news for both is that they might finally have found a remedy for the shin issues that have bothered Iglesias for at least the last couple of years. And at this point, if it takes a longer-than-planned absence now to gain some long-term health later, both Iglesias and the Tigers are willing to do it.“He had a good day yesterday,” manager Brad Ausmus said Thursday.That day did not include an actual baseball workout. Iglesias ran for the first time since being sidelined a week ago, but the sole purpose was for a foot and ankle specialist to watch his stride and examine where it places pressure going up his leg."

While Iglesias’ bat can likely be matched by Danny Worth, Steve Lombardozzi, or another back-up, Jose can average a highlight reel defensive play per game. The Tigers need him on the field and healthy–and this news seems to indicate he’ll be back soon.

Toronto Blue Jays Rumors: Outfielder Could Be Sent To Detroit Tigers For Pitching – Jonny Adornetto, Rant Sports

"The Tigers have a plethora of starting pitching options that they could give up for someone like Moises Sierra, an outfielder who is anything but guaranteed a spot on the Jays’ 40-man roster. Sierra would serve as a nice compliment to former Jays outfielder Rajai Davis in Detroit, and could be dealt by the Jays in a package deal alongside a reliever for perhaps Rick Porcello or even Drew Smyly. Anthopoulos’ club isn’t going to win games with the help of Sierra from the bench or down on the farm in Buffalo. However, if they were to send him elsewhere in exchange for some decent pitching, at least the Jays would be headed in somewhat of a proper direction."

I think the boat has sailed on Detroit trading their starting pitching. They don’t really have a good candidate to replace Porcello or Smyly in the rotation at the moment. Sierra isn’t worthy of dealing a legitimate MLB-caliber starter for at this point in his career.