’12 Spring Training Probable Starters Announced

With Friday just around the corner, Tigers beat writer Jason Beck reveled the rotation earlier today over at his blog.

The 2012 season begins once again with the annual exhibition matchup against nearby Florida Southern. Potential 5th starter Andy Oliver gets the ball Friday in Lakeland against the Mocs.

Saturday the Tigers travel to the “Happiest place on earth”, Walt Disney World, to take on the Atlanta Braves. Doug Fister is scheduled to start for the Tigers.

The Tigers return to Lakeland Sunday for another matchup against the Braves. Max Scherzer is slated for his first start of the season.

MVP/Cy Young winning Justin Verlander begins his season Monday as the Toronto Blue Jays visit Lakeland.

Tuesday the team travels south to Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. Rick Porcello and the Tigers square off against the Florida Miami Marlins.

As far as Wednesdays fifth starter slot is concerned; according to Jason Beck,

"Jim Leyland didn’t say who would start, but said the order isn’t going to be important. It’s a piggyback day, meaning one starter will follow another and throw roughly to the same pitch count. A different candidate will start each time the fifth starter spot comes up."

Similar to previous seasons, expect starters to throw an inning or two at most their first time out. The remaining innings should be filled by relievers and pitchers from minor league camp.

If you’re not already doing so, I encourage you to follow me on twitter @jayrc_mcb. Expect a good deal of in-game tweets from this upcoming spring season.