Porcello beats out Smyly for Tigers’ rotation spot

Rick Porcello struck out 10 in six innings and the Detroit Tigers beat the Seattle Mariners 4-2 on Monday night to move a step closer to their third straight AL Central title. (AP)

LAKELAND, Fla. — Rick Porcello has earned the No. 5 starter’s job in the Detroit Tigers’ rotation, and Drew Smyly will start the season in the bullpen.

Porcello was 10-12 with a 4.59 ERA in 31 starts for the AL champions last season, when Smyly went 4-3 with a 3.99 ERA in 18 starts as a rookie. Porcello is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in six spring training appearances; Smyly is 4-0 with a 3.38 ERA.

Detroit also said Tuesday that utilityman Matt Tuiasosopo will be on the opening-day roster. Signed to a minor league contract in November, he is batting .327 with six doubles during spring training.

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