Preston

Larrison

Larrison might miss his next start because of the injury.

With Jeremy Bonderman struggling, the Tigers should realize that it would be a bad idea to promote Larrison to the majors even if he continues to do well. Expect them to fill the holes in their rotation with their more experienced pitchers in Triple-A.

A very quick return for Larrison, who underwent Tommy John surgery in August. Considered one of the Tigers’ top prospects prior to 2003, his stock had dropped long before he went under the knife. He could re-emerge as a prospect if his sinker comes back.

Lopez, the only player in the group to see time in the majors with Detroit last season, should get an invitation to spring training. Larrison likely will, too. The former top prospect had a 3.84 ERA in 58 2/3 innings of relief for Triple-A Toledo. He still gets enough grounders that he could be useful in middle relief if he can stay away from the walks.

Larrison is even more in need of another year in the minors than Bonderman is. He’s a quality prospect, but he doesn’t have Bonderman’s upside.

Larrison remains on Detroit’s 40-man roster even though his last good year was 2002. He underwent Tommy John surgery in Aug. 2004 and made a quick return last May, finishing with a 4.94 ERA in 16 starts between Single-A Lakeland and Erie. While he seems like quite a long shot to have a career in the majors at this point, the Tigers are convinced that he retains some promise.

It was believed last week that Larrison was being demoted to Erie’s bullpen, but the Tigers say that he will remain a starter. The 22-year-old was 10-5 with a 2.39 ERA last year in Single-A.

Larrison was designated for assignement last week. He’ll be in Tigers camp to compete for a bullpen spot, but he wasn’t much of a candidate even when he was on the 40-man roster.

Larrison was out of options and had no realistic chance of winning a bullpen spot, so this was going to happen sooner or later. He’s largely been injured and ineffective since emerging as one of the Tigers’ top pitching prospects in 2002. Maybe his sinker will get him claimed, but he’s a long shot to develop.

Larrison was promoted despite going 3-11 with a 5.25 ERA for Erie. However, he had been pitching much better lately. He’s a potential No. 3 starter for the Tigers.