The Detroit Tigers do not have too many roster spots available and the lineup appears to be decided–for the most part.
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Of course the availability of Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez could change things come April 6. Still slots and positions seem to be in place according to the Detroit Free Press.
One of those slots, not in the lineup but on the pitching staff, may belong to Kyle Ryan. A starter in the minors last year, Ryan would allow the Tigers the flexibility of having a lefty able to go against matchups or go in long relief if needed. Long relief was something the team often lacked in 2014.
Finally Bleacher Reports takes five takeaways from an unconventional Spring Training for the Tigers.
Ausmus seems to have decided on Tigers’ batting order – Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press
"The leading contenders are centerfielder Anthony Gose and catcher Alex Avila. Gose has been impressive offensively this spring, with a .341 average in 41 at-bats and the ability to wreak havoc on the bases with his speed. Avila has shown improvements over his career-worst 2014 season and has reached base in his limited looks at the plate. He is 5-for-21 with five walks.According to his lineups thus far in spring training, Ausmus could be leaning toward Gose at the top and Avila further down. Gose has hit in the top two spots of the lineup in 11 of his 14 spring starts, including five times at leadoff. Avila has hit second in four of his eight starts."
Kyle Ryan strong contender to be second left-hander in bullpen for Detroit Tigers – Chris Iott, MLive
"As far as left-handers go, Tom Gorzelanny appears to have a spot wrapped up — at least to start the season — despite an unimpressive spring. He hasn’t fared especially well so far, but he’s a veteran who was signed in the offseason, so he’ll get a shot in the regular season. Whether that’s as the No. 1 starter or as a long man remains to be seen.If the Tigers see Gorzelanny as the No. 1 lefty, they will very likely carry Kyle Ryan, a converted starter who could pitch multiple innings. If Gorzelanny struggles and the Tigers want to use him to pitch multiple innings, that opens the door for Ian Krol or Blaine Hardy.Krol has a 4.50 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP. But those numbers are a bit deceiving because of a small sample size. Krol has allowed seven hits and three earned runs this spring, but four of those hits and two of those runs came in one outing early this spring. He has outpitched Hardy even if his numbers aren’t any better.But Krol has issued four walks in six innings, so Ryan might be the guy.• Prediction: Ryan."
Top 5 Takeaways from Spring Training – James Duncan, Bleacher Report
"Spring has also provided an opportunity for youngsters to make an impression and audition for a roster spot. James McCann, Anthony Gose and Hernan Perez have seemingly booked their tickets to Motown based on their performances to date.Others, such as Daniel Fields and Jose Valdez, have laid down markers through their strong performances. In contrast, some prospects (e.g., Steven Moya) have failed to impress in the early going.The ensuing top five spring takeaways are ranked according to their importance to the team as it looks ahead to Opening Day on April 6."