Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster projection 2.0

Starting rotation: Eduardo Rodriguez, Matthew Boyd, Spencer Turnbull, Michael Lorenzen, Joey Wentz

One big change here. E-rod and Boyd have both looked very sharp so far. Just yesterday, Boyd struck out seven in three innings of work. Turnbull looked solid in his first action of the spring, same for Lorenzen.

Who hasn't looked so hot? Matt Manning. He's been pretty dreadful. His velocity was down in his first outing, which was simply a case of him tryong to ramp up as spring goes along. But Monday's outing against the Red Sox was particulary worrisome.

He allowed four runs and didn't make it out of the first inning. He had no command to speak of. He even hit Justin Turner in the face with a fastball. He came back out for the second inning and looked better, but it has not been a good spring so far for somebody who needs to start showing us something.

Because of that, and the fact that he still has two minor league options left, I don't have him making the team. Instead, Joey Wentz takes the last rotation spot. He hasn't exactly been spectacular this spring, but he's been a heck of a lot better than Manning. He just needs to attack hitters and pound the strike zone and he'll be fine.

Bullpen: Alex Lange, Jose Cisnero, Jason Foley, Chasen Shreve, Tyler Alexander, Garrett Hill, Mason Englert, Miguel Diaz

The bullpen is really strarting to take shape. This is the first time I've had Rule 5 pick Mason Englert making the team because he's looked pretty good so far. He's shown the ability to throw strikes consistently. Miguel Diaz has also looked really good. He added a sinker this offseason, and that's been pretty effective for him.

Jose Cisnero's velocity has been solid. Alex Lange is as nasty as ever. Jason Foley is still getting ground balls. The guys we expect to make the bullpen have delivered so far.

Who hasn't delivered is Will Vest. He allowed six runs this past Saturday against the Blue Jays. He has options remaining, so I'm going to stash him in Toledo for now. Garrett Hill has looked like a new man so far. His velocity has been way up.

As for the lefties, they appear to be pretty clear. Tyler Alexander was always going to get a spot. The other one goes to Chasen Shreve. He's been by far the best lefty reliever in camp.

That'll do it for round 2 of roster projections. The third and final projection will come out shortly before final cuts.