The decision to add rookie RHPs Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry to the opening-day roster looked like a sound one through the first week of the season. Porcello looked way more poised than your typical 20-year-old with one year of pro ball experience and Perry throws easy mid-90s fastballs teamed with a wicked slider. Both have a chance to have a major impact before the season is over, Porcello as a stabilizing factor in a rotation that was constantly under siege last year and Perry as part of a bullpen remake whose effectiveness is still under construction.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Fernando Rodney figures to be fresh for Detroit's weekend series in Seattle. Rodney posted consecutive saves last weekend, but Wednesday's 1-2-3 ninth inning of a 9-0 win over the Chicago White Sox has been his only action since Sunday. Rodney has not allowed a baserunner yet this season in four appearances.
--LHP Bobby Seay has yet to permit a baserunner this season in four games covering two innings. Seay pitched to one batter Wednesday and got a double-play grounder.
--3B Brandon Inge continues to make his presence felt on offense and defense. He singled up the middle as part of midgame rally Wednesday, showing he is making a concerted effort to hit the ball where it's pitched this year instead of trying to yank everything. He also made another superior defensive play, a five-step move to his right for a bouncing grounder that he threw on one hop to first from foul territory for a third-inning out (albeit on a slow runner, White Sox 3B Josh Fields).
--SS Adam Everett is expected to be back at shortstop Friday after missing a game because of what appeared to be the flu. Everett was told to stay away from the park Wednesday when he called to say he was ill. He was replaced by INF Ramon Santiago, who drove in two runs to give him five RBIs in his last two starts.
--CF Curtis Granderson singled his last time up Wednesday to break an 0-for-16 slump.
MEDICAL WATCH:
LF Carlos Guillen (strained right Achilles tendon) left the April 12 game. He served as the Tigers' DH on April 13 and 15.
LHP Dontrelle Willis (anxiety disorder) went on the 15-day disabled list March 29. The disorder was diagnosed through blood tests, and there was no timetable for his return. Willis, for his part, didn't understand the diagnosis and said he felt fine.
RHP Joel Zumaya (right shoulder soreness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Lakeland on April 11, and he will stay in the minors until he shows he can pitch back-to-back games successfully.
RHP Jeremy Bonderman (right rib removal, blood clot surgery in June 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 30. He won't return until he nudges his fastball back up 90 mph on a consistent basis.
ROTATION:
RHP Justin Verlander
RHP Edwin Jackson
RHP Armando Galarraga
RHP Rick Porcello
BULLPEN:
RHP Brandon Lyon (closer)
RHP Fernando Rodney
LHP Bobby Seay
RHP Eddie Bonine
RHP Juan Rincon
LHP Nate Robertson
RHP Ryan Perry
RHP Zach Miner
CATCHERS:
Gerald Laird
Matt Treanor
INFIELDERS:
1B Miguel Cabrera
2B Placido Polanco
SS Adam Everett
3B Brandon Inge
INF Ramon Santiago
INF Jeff Larish
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Carlos Guillen
CF Curtis Granderson
RF Magglio Ordonez
DH Marcus Thames
OF Josh Anderson
