Oh, Andy Oliver. Two days after I elevate you to favorite to win the fifth-starter battle, you allow your control problems to come back up in a big way. When am I ever going to learn? Sometimes you are what you are. And you're a guy who issues walks.
Oliver walked five in 3 2/3 innings, struck out just one, and allowed all three runs on two hits (all three on a home run, actually). Not the most compelling start. You really want to find consistency of control, and he hasn't shown it. There's a few weeks left before a decision has to be made, but I can't help but feel Oliver would hand the spot over by the month of May if it was actually given to him. There's talent there ... and yet. You just can't keep walking people.
Next up: Adam Wilk. Next out: Adam Wilk. He didn't walk anyone but continued to show that he can give up hits in gobs and gobs. In 2 1/3 innings, six hits. That makes 19 in 12 innings. But only two walks. He's kind of the anti-Andy. Maybe the two can be combined in a fifth-grade science project of some sort?
In one inning, Duane Below allowed a hit and no runs.
Thursday, Drew Smyly apparently gets a chance in a simulated minor-league game, as the Tigers are off.
Is anyone the favorite in this contest any more?
On the batting end of things, Delmon Young hit a home run, Austin Jackson went 2-for-3 and Brandon Inge went 1-for-2 at third base. He also committed an error. So there is that.
Grapefruit play continues Friday against Pittsburgh.