Coke to start the season in the bullpen, will make first start April 9th

The Tigers’ offense was in full force today as they took it to the Houston Astros 9-1 from Kissimmee Florida in Grapefruit League action. Although the attention was solely on the offense, it was on starter Phil Coke. Coke, who is being converted back to a starter after spending most of his major league career coming out of the bullpen has struggled at times during Spring Training.

Today’s outing was a little reassuring though for Coke as he went five innings giving up one run on four hits while striking out two and walking two. Coke did struggle with his control and often times got behind in the count. After today’s game manager Jim Leyland said that Phil Coke will start the season in the bullpen and will start his first game April 9th. Brad Penny will take over the second game of the season in the Bronx when the Tigers take on the Yankees.

I’ve always maintained that Phil Coke would be better served coming out of the bullpen instead of starting. He was a valuable late inning lefty reliever last season until he became overworked. Being overworked is definitely a concern with him being part of the rotation.

Source: The Detroit News