Detroit's bullpen is slowly rounding into shape. Sort of.
"We have issues," manager Jim Leyland said. "I don't think they're bad issues. They're actually good issues. Let's find out. Let's find out who the guys are, who steps up, who in the end makes the most sense for our team. We have a very tough spring training." Saturday morning intrasquad innings for injured right-handers Jeremy Bonderman and Joel Zumaya were expected to go well, but they both must continue to show their health issues are behind them.
However, Zumaya scratched from his one-inning stint because of lingering tightness at top of right shoulder.
Bonderman's health and ability to open the season in Detroit's rotation directly affects whether right-hander Zach Miner is a starter or a reliever.
Zumaya's health could have a bearing on whether hard-throwing rookie right-hander Ryan Perry opens the season with Detroit or at Double-A Erie.
So far, left-hander Bobby Seay has lived up to his performance level of the first half of last season. That means Leyland can either add a second lefty to the bullpen or not. Rule 5 pick Kyle Bloom will get more opportunities to show he can make it, as will left-hander Clay Rapada.
Right-hander Fernando Rodney, without the pressure of being the nominated closer, has quietly put together a solid spring -- a sharp contrast to last year, when shoulder tendinitis kept him from throwing a single exhibition inning.
Right-hander Brandon Lyon hasn't been spectacular, but he has shown he can at least open the season as the successor to retired right-hander Todd Jones as the Tigers' closer. Rodney is likely to get some save opportunities, as would Zumaya if he's healthy.
Non-roster right-hander Juan Rincon has looked solid in his bid to make the roster, while rookie right-hander Casey Fien throws strikes effectively and without fear, endearing him to his manager.
Right-hander Freddy Dolsi looks to be an alternative if necessary and right-hander Scott Williamson has been in and out, although his fastball seems to be better than in recent seasons.
"We've got so much to follow with our pitching; it's kept it very, very interesting," Leyland said. "It keeps you on your toes every minute of every day.
"We're going to have to put it all together at the end, but I like our team a lot, to be honest with you. If Bonderman and Zumaya and some of those guys aren't healthy, I won't like it as much."
He will have seven spots to fill, but it appears there are enough people who can pitch to fill them.
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