Former Arkansas Pitcher Drew Smyly Makes Major League Debut with Tigers Today

Former Arkansas Razorback pitcher Drew Smyly takes the mound for the Detroit Tigers in his first MLB start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday.

Smyly, 22 years old, won the fifth spot on the Tigers rotation after a spring training battle with Andy Oliver for the final opening in the rotation. Oliver, considered the No. 4 prospect in the Tigers organization, was optioned to Triple-A Toledo after Smyly won the last opening on the Tiger’s pitching staff.

The Tigers had been impressed with Smyly’s mental toughness and approach on the mound throughout spring training.

In his second to last spring start against the Cardinals on Wednesday March 28, the left handed hurler had perhaps his toughest outing, which may have been what Tiger manager Jim Leyland needed to see from the young pitcher.

Smyly retired seven of the first eight batters he faced before allowing three consecutive on base. With 2011 World Series MVP David Freese at the plate, Smyly struck him out to end the inning.

During his 2011 minor league season, Smyly posted a 7-3 mark in Advanced-A ball with a 2.58 ERA in 80.1 innings of work. His strikeout to walk ratio was 77:21. After being called up to Double-A Erie, the Maumelle, Ark. native posted a 4-3 record in seven starts with a 1.18 ERA. In 45.2 innings of Double-A work he only allowed six earned runs while continuing his impressive strikeout to walk ratio, 53:15.

Today’s showdown against the Rays is a rubber match in the three game series. The Tigers took game one 5-2 on Tuesday and Justin Verlander took a 2-4 ninth inning loss on Wednesday.

Both teams lead their respective divisions with a 4-1 record.

Jeff Niemann will start for the Rays in today’s game.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. CST at Comerica Park.