LHP Liriano named to Tigers' rotation

Entering a new season with a new team, Francisco Liriano is set to make his return to the rotation.

Having primarily pitched out of the bullpen for the first time in his career last season, Liriano will be a member of the Detroit Tigers' rotation as long as he is healthy once the regular season begins, according to manager Ron Gardenhire.

"Liriano isn't fighting with anybody," Gardenhire told reporters Sunday. "We brought him here for a reason. I think we need his veteran experience in that rotation, and if he's healthy and well, I'm sure that's where he'll be. Every once in a while, he's going to misfire and walk a guy here or there, but he's going to throw some nasty stuff up there. He did just fine again today."

Liriano, who agreed to a one-year deal with Detroit last month, went three scoreless innings Sunday against the Atlanta Braves, striking out four and walking two in his second spring start. He has yet to be scored on in five innings this spring, striking out seven and walking four.

Liriano began last season in the Toronto Blue Jays' rotation, posting a 5.88 ERA in 18 starts, before being traded to the Houston Astros and making the transition to relief work. The left-hander struggled out of the bullpen, posting a 4.40 ERA in 20 games, though he did pitch meaningful innings with success in the postseason.

Prior to last year, Liriano had been a starter the majority of his 12-year career, which began with the Minnesota Twins in 2005. Overall, the 34-year-old has a 4.15 ERA in 323 major league games (274 starts).

Liriano should slot in the rotation behind Michael Fulmer, Jordan Zimmermann, Mike Fiers and Matthew Boyd, with former top prospect Daniel Norris waiting in the wings. Liriano and Norris were perceived to be competing for the No. 5 starter spot; Gardenhire has more familiarity with the veteran Liriano, who pitched for the skipper for seven years with the Twins.

--Field Level Media