While it was initially a mystery on which young Detroit Tigers hurler, either Drew Smyly or Jacob Turner, would make Tuesday's upcoming start against the Texas Rangers, the club's swift roster move following Sunday's win over Pittsburgh offered a clear, concise answer.
Tigers have optioned Turner to Toledo following today's game. Smyly will start for the Tigers on Tuesday night in Texas. #tigers
— Brian Britten (@BBritten_Tigers) June 24, 2012
Turner is still viewed as the most precious pitching prospect in the Tigers' organization, but Smyly's quick ascension into a back-of-the-rotation role this season has made him arguably a more valuable commodity right now for Detroit's sub-.500 squad.
It's also clear that the Tigers aim to do everything in their power to avoid forcing Turner to pitch against the most potent offense in baseball if they can avoid it at this stage of his development. In addition to that concern, Smyly's blister injury was never truly deemed as serious as was initially feared, and many close to the team are fully expecting the 23-year-old rookie to pick up right where he left off now that he's free from the disabled list.
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