LAKELAND, FL (WTVB) – The Detroit Tigers open the exhibition schedule this afternoon as they host Southeastern University at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.
Spencer Turnbull will start for Detroit, while 2018 number-one pick Casey Mize and prospect Kyle Funkhouser are also expected to pitch an inning against the Fire.
Matt Moore will get the nod as the Tigers begin Grapefruit League play tomorrow when they visit the Blue Jays.
Tigers starter Michael Fulmer is slated to throw off the mound next week as he continues to recover from last September’s knee surgery. Fulmer threw a bullpen session and live batting practice yesterday and will pitch while wearing a brace this season.
Pitcher Chris Smith will likely need Tommy John surgery after he ruptured his ulnar collateral ligament. The non-roster invitee was pitching during batting practice Wednesday when he suffered the injury. Last season, Smith went 4-and-5 with a 3.93 ERA in 49 appearances with the Washington Nationals’ Triple-A Syracuse team.