Porcello to pitch Tigers’ home opener

Posted Mar 1, 2010 by TBO.com

Updated Mar 1, 2010 at 06:18 PM

LAKELAND — A year ago, Rick Porcello was considered by some too young to make the Detroit Tigers’ pitching staff.

After leading American League rookies in wins last season, Porcello was named as the starting pitcher for Detroit’s home opener April 9 against the Cleveland Indians.

“It’s an honor, seeing how big the home opener was in Detroit last year,” said Porcello, who won 14 games as a 20-year-old rookie in 2009. “Fans were coming out early and tailgating. It’s obviously a pretty big deal. I remember how exciting it was and what the buzz was like with the crowd there for opening day. So I’m excited to be pitching in it.”

A week ago, manager Jim Leyland chose 19-game winner Justin Verlander for the season opener at Kansas City on April 5. Max Scherzer, who came from Arizona in a December trade, will pitch the second game at Kansas City on April 7.

“I want Scherzer to get his first start under his belt on the road, and I don’t know who the other two starters are,” Leyland said. “You could pencil about four or five names in right now for the third game, and for the fifth game.”

Jeremy Bonderman, Armando Galarraga, Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis and Eddie Bonine are in competition for two spots in the rotation as the Tigers prepare to open their exhibition schedule Tuesday against Florida Southern College. Porcello’s first spring start is scheduled against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday.

The Tigers’ first-round draft choice in 2007, Porcello became only the fourth pitcher since 1970 to win 14 games in a season before his 21st birthday.

“He’s something special. That’s why he’s up here at this age and why he’s successful at this age,” Leyland said. “If he has a few problems from time to time like he did last year, he’ll make those adjustments, too. That’s all part of being special.”

Pitching in Comerica Park in the home opener will be special, too, Porcello said — even if it’s cold.

“I came from New Jersey and it’s pretty much going back to where I’ve been through the offseason, so it doesn’t really bother me too much. I know from when I was in high school that I’d much rather be pitching in cold weather than hitting,” he said. “Detroit’s my home now. I’m trying to embrace it. I love playing there and I definitely feel I’m a part of the city right now.”
- The Associated Press