Tigers rotation candidate Drew Smyly, who continues to be locked in competition with Rick Porcello for the No. 5 spot in the rotation for manager Jim Leyland, had a chance to shine on Sunday in a Grapefruit League start against the Nationals.
Instead, Smyly fizzled. The starter surrendered a solo homer to Tyler Moore -- one of two homers Moore hit on the day -- in the fourth inning as he gave up four runs in that frame. Overall, Smyly allowed five earned runs on seven hits and a walk and lasted four innings. He struck out five batters and his ERA on the spring is now at 3.86.
Smyly had allowed just thre earned runs over his first 15 1/3 innings this spring before the four-run fourth on Sunday. He now has 12 Ks over 16 1/3 innings on the spring. Porcello, who has been mentioned in trade rumors, has pitched to a 2.50 ERA this spring over 18 innings with 18 strikeouts.