Rick Porcello wins fifth starter spot in Tigers rotation

Right-handed pitcher Rick Porcello will be the Detroit Tigers' fifth starter this season, reports Tigers beat writer Chris Lott. He won the spot over left-hander Drew Smyly who will pitch out of the bullpen.

This spring, Porcello pitched 24 innings and had a 3.00 ERA. There had been rumors about a trade, but it appears that he'll remain with the Tigers for now.

Porcello, 20, was drafted by Tigers in the first round (27th pick) of the 2007 amateur draft. He has spent all four years of his career with Detroit and posted a 10-12 record, 4.59 ERA and 1.531 WHIP last season.

Smyly, 22, made his MLB debut with the Tigers last year and went 4-3 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.268 WHIP.