MLB Detroit Tigers

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Detroit Tigers Position Battles To Watch

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Detroit Tigers Position Battles To Watch

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David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into Spring Training, the Detroit Tigers' starting rotation appears all but etched in stone, but there will undoubtedly be some competition in the bullpen. There will also be players competing for reserve roles, and questions surrounding the health of sluggers Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera may be a factor as well. Without further ado, here are five battles to watch out of Tigers camp in Spring Training of 2015.

5. Stopgap First Baseman

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Stopgap First Baseman

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Since Cabrera's status for Opening Day remains uncertain, the Tigers may need to find a stopgap first baseman. There was also the recent scare with Martinez, but it does appear that the Tigers are hopeful of a speedy recovery. Still, they may need a little bit of depth at first. One option is to use catcher Alex Avila there, which could allow the club to carry both James McCann and Bryan Holaday. Jordan Lennerton is another possibility, too.

4. No. 2 Lefty Out of the Pen

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

4. No. 2 Lefty Out of the Pen

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, the Tigers' bullpen posted an inflated 4.29 ERA, which ranked 27th in MLB. In an effort to improve the situation, they signed Tom Gorzelanny, who appears to be a lock to be one of the team's left-handed relievers this upcoming season. There will likely be a competition for the second lefty spot out of the pen, however, and early candidates include Blaine Hardy, Kyle Ryan, Kyle Lobstein, Joe Mantiply and Ian Krol.

3. Final Spot In the Bullpen

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Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

3. Final Spot In the Bullpen

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Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Aside from Gorzelanny, Joe Nathan, Joakim Soria, Al Alburquerque and Bruce Rondon (assuming he is healthy) are also locks to be part of the Tigers' bullpen. Therefore, after the second lefty is determined, there will be another spot up for grabs to round out to seven-man bullpen. Some candidates may include, but are not necessarilly limited to, Alex Wilson, Josh Zeid, Angel Nesbitt, Luke Putkonen and Joel Hanrahan.

2. Utility Infielder

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

2. Utility Infielder

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in years, utility man Don Kelly will not be in Spring Training with the Tigers. The top two candidates to be the Tigers' "25th man" this year appear to be Hernan Perez and Andrew Romine, who are both out of minor league options. Depending on the health of Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, however, there may only be enough room for one of them. Perez likely carries the more productive bat of the two.

1. Fifth Outfielder

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David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

1. Fifth Outfielder

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David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Tigers' outfield appears to be set with Yoenis Cespedes in left, Rajai Davis and Anthony Gose platooning in center, and J.D. Martinez lodged in right, there may be room for a left-handed, power-hitting outfielder to join the mix as a reserve. The top two candidates are Steven Moya and Tyler Collins. Although there are other variables that could come into play here as well, it appears that Collins is more likely to make it than Moya.

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