by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (5/21/2013) Ever since getting knocked out in the first inning by the Angels last month, Rick Porcello has turned in a string of four effective starts. Most notable is Porcello's surge in strikeouts, as he has registered 24 Ks in 25 innings.
Has the Tigers' young contact pitcher suddenly learned to miss bats? Over those four starts, Porcello has posted a 9 percent whiff rate that is above his norm, but outings against the Astros and Braves have helped to boost that mark. Those two squads just happen to have the lowest contact rates in the majors, according to FanGraphs.com.
I'll need to see a longer string of high-strikeout starts from Porcello before I see him as a viable standard mixed league option who can help with Ks.
Rick Porcello's changeup getting more whiffs
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/21/2013) Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello has been much better as of late, and his changeup is a major factor in his recent hot streak.
Porcello is well aware of his improved changeup, as R.J. White profiled in a recent player update. The numbers back up that notion. Porcello's whiff rate with the changeup has jumped from 13.02 percent last season to 17.65 percent this year, per BrooksBaseball.net. He's also been willing to use it against right-handers much more than in recent years. Porcello will look to run his streak of quality starts to five against the Twins Thursday.
Porcello's recent streak might not be enough to convince Fantasy owners he's truly figured things out. He's had strong stretches in the past, but has rarely shown the high strikeout rates needed from Fantasy pitchers.
Rick Porcello credits changeup for hot streak
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/18/2013) Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello is 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 25 innings over his last four starts, and he's crediting his changeup.
"My changeup has been coming around nicely," Porcello told MLB.com "I've been able to get some swings and misses off it lately, especially with two strikes. I'm throwing it to both righties and lefties. It's been a nice pitch for me this year."
Porcello is 2-2 with a 5.92 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 38 innings this season.
Rick Porcello stays sharp vs. Rangers
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/18/2013) Tigers starter Rick Porcello enjoyed a solid outing as he picked up his second win of the season Friday night against the Rangers.
Porcello surrendered a solo home run to Geovany Soto in the fifth for his only damage of the night. He was charged with one run and five hits over 5 2/3 innings of work. He struck out six and walked one in a 2-1 victory.
Porcello has allowed just three runs over his last 11 2/3 innings of work. He is scheduled to start Thursday at home against Minnesota. The right-hander allowed three runs over 5 2/3 innings in his season debut on April 4 against the Twins.
Rick Porcello posts third consecutive quality start
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) Tigers starter Rick Porcello was left with a no-decision after allowing two runs and four hits over six innings Sunday against Cleveland. Porcello struck out six.
After opening the season with an 11.08 ERA in four starts, Porcello has three-consecutive quality starts, although his ERA is 6.68.
Rick Porcello has start pushed back to May 12
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/3/2013) Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello will be skipped in the rotation early next week with the team working around off days Monday and Thursday, MLive.com reports. Porcello will make his next start May 12 against the Indians.
Porcello is coming off his longest outing of the season Thursday, when he allowed three earned runs in seven innings. He'll take a 7.52 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings into his matchup with the Indians.
Rick Porcello solid again
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/3/2013) Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello looked like he might not be long for the rotation after his ERA stood at 11.08 in his first four starts, but he has made progress in each of his last two outings. On Thursday, he tossed his longest outing of the season against the Astros.
Porcello tossed seven strong innings for his second quality start in a row, as he limited the Astros to just three runs on five hits. He walked none and struck out seven batters, a season-high. Porcello's only problems came with home runs, as he allowed all three of his runs via the long ball.
Despite his best start of the season, Porcello earned a no-decision in the game. The Tigers won, 7-3, in 14 innings.
Porcello lowered his ERA to 7.52, and he has allowed six runs in 13 1/3 innings over his last two starts. He will try to continue his improved play in his next start, Wednesday against the Nationals.
Off days could push back Rick Porcello
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello could be skipped in the rotation following his next start. The right-hander is scheduled to pitch next on Thursday against the Astros but Detroit has off days May 6 and 8, MLB.com reports.
The club wouldn't need Porcello again until May 14 against the Astros -- again.
Porcello allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings in his win over the Braves on Saturday. He is 1-2 with an 8.84 ERA through five appearances (four starts).
Rick Porcello rebounds for win
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Tigers starter Rick Porcello earned a victory on Saturday at home against the Braves. Porcello allowed runs in only one of his 6 1/3 innings.
The Braves got to him in the third as they took a 3-2 lead. The Tigers got the lead right back and Porcello picked up his first win.
Porcello (1-2) gave up the three runs on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts. His ERA is down to 8.84 from 11.08 after he'd allowed nine runs over 2/3 of an inning in his last start at the Angels.
Porcello showed a big improvement Saturday and will hope that continues Thursday at Houston.
Rick Porcello pummeled by Angels
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/20/2013) Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello could not make it out of the first inning in his outing against the Angels Saturday. He allowed nine runs on nine hits over two-thirds of an inning in the 10-0 loss.
Porcello surrendered four runs before getting Chris Iannetta to ground into a double play but could not get another out. He was pulled for Drew Smyly after Mike Trout's grand slam off the right-hander.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Porcello is the first starting pitcher in the Modern Era to pitch two-thirds or fewer innings, while allowing nine earned runs and nine hits.
The 24-year-old threw 32 of his 47 pitches for strikes and saw his ERA rise from 5.11 to 11.08. He also walked one and did not have a strikeout while taking his second loss.
His next start is Saturday against the Braves.
Rick Porcello perfect in relief for Tigers
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/14/2013) Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello made the first relief appearance of his career in Sunday's series finale against the A's.
The right-hander came on in the eighth inning and worked two perfect frames. He did not factor into the decision in the 10-1 win.
The Tigers announced Saturday that they were skipping Porcello in the rotation.
Tigers skipping Rick Porcello
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) The Tigers will skip pitcher Rick Porcello in the rotation the next time around so that he'll be available in the bullpen Saturday against Oakland, MLive.com reports.
Porcello will not start in Seattle Tuesday due to Monday's off day and the rotation will move forward with Doug Fister taking on the Mariners.
Porcello is 0-1 after two starts with a 6.10 ERA. He's struck out three in 10 1/3 innings.
Rick Porcello settles for no-decision
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Tigers starter Rick Porcello ran into trouble before leaving the game in the sixth inning Wednesday at home against Toronto. With Mark Buehrle struggling, Porcello could have been in line for a win had he not combined with his bullpen to blow the lead.
Porcello settled for a no-decision as the Blue Jays came back to win the game, 8-6. The Detroit starter allowed four earned runs over five official innings on eight hits and no walks. He struck out just one in the performance and his ERA after two starts is 6.10.
The starter, who is 0-1 for Detroit, has allowed seven earned runs over 10 1/3 innings with just three strikeouts. His WHIP has been ugly at 1.55. Porcello will look to turn things around in his next outing scheduled for Tuesday at Seattle's Safeco Field.
Rick Porcello fails to carry over strong spring
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello gave up three runs over 5 1/3 innings in his season debut.
Porcello was coming off a strong spring, in which he struck out 21 and walked none in 24 innings. Porcello's control was off during the start, as he only threw 55 of his 97 pitches for strikes. He gave up six hits, with two walks and two strikeouts, earning the loss.
Rick Porcello starts season anew
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/31/2013) Tigers catcher Alex Avila had a lot of positives to take from starter Rick Porcello's final preseason tuneup Saturday. Porcello, scheduled to start the third game of the season Thursday at Minnesota, allowed a hit over three innings. He finished spring training 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP.
"The life on his pitches, his stuff, plus the command he has, there's a difference there," Avila said. "I think his new delivery and everything that he's worked on has allowed him to really trust throwing that four-seam (fastball) anytime and not relying so much on that sinker."
Avila continued: "Probably the biggest difference is his breaking ball. Working on just one pitch, trying to perfect that pitch, I think that's a smart thing. His curveball is a legitimate out pitch now."
Rick Porcello ready for the season
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/30/2013) Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello took the hill for a minor-league game Saturday in Lakeland, Fla.
The right-hander allowed a hit over three innings. He finished spring training 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP.
Porcello is scheduled to start the third game of the season Thursday at Minnesota.
Tigers set rotation plans -- for now
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/29/2013) It took nearly the entire spring, but the Tigers finally set their rotation for the start of the season on Friday. As previously announced, Justin Verlander will take the hill for opening day Monday at Minnesota before being followed by Anibal Sanchez and Rick Porcello the remainder of the series.
Doug Fister will start Detroit's home opener Friday against the Yankees before Max Scherzer makes his season debut. Manager Jim Leyland has previously hinted the order could change following the first turn through the rotation.
Rick Porcello not a fan of sliders
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) Many Fantasy owners were probably disappointed to hear the news Tuesday of the Tigers choosing Rick Porcello over Drew Smyly for the final spot in the team's rotation, but I actually support this decision. While Smyly has had a productive spring and might have a bright future in the majors, Porcello is proving he's a different pitcher this spring and it's difficult for the Tigers to turn their back on that.
The most amazing stat in Porcello's emergence is he hasn't walked any batters in 24 spring innings. While Porcello has never had a high-walk rate, he's thrived this spring because he's taken the slider out of his repertoire. Just to give you an idea of how bad Porcello has been at throwing the slider in the past, in his career he's thrown it for a strike at a 56.2 percent rate (according to TexasLeaguers.com) and last season only Ricky Romero had a worse pitch value per 100 times thrown. According to FanGraphs.com, Romero was at -9.18 and Porcello at -3.84.
"I'm continuing to work on one breaking ball and establish that," Porcello said after his latest start Monday. "I wouldn't say the slider is in the trash, but like I said, I'm just focusing on one breaking ball."
I've never been a huge Porcello supporter in Fantasy and you can't always put great stock in spring numbers, but when you get positive results because of a distinct change, then you tend to buy into the hype a bit more. That's why I'm ready to back Porcello as a late-round Fantasy sleeper.
Rick Porcello nails down rotation spot
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) In one of the most heavily contested battles of the spring, Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello edged Drew Smyly for the final spot in the starting rotation. Porcello, entering his fifth season with Detroit, has been sensational this spring, recording a 3.00 ERA while limiting opponents to a meager .202 batting average.
The right-hander's command has greatly improved and he has not issued a walk over 24 innings. Porcello is also the only pitcher in the Grapefruit League with at least 15 strikeouts and no walks. Smyly will pitch out of the bullpen to start the season.
Rick Porcello yet to walk a batter
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello continued his bid for a spot in the team's rotation by securing his fourth spring win Thursday against the Marlins. Porcello (4-1) allowed three runs on four hits in six innings during a 6-3 win. He struck out three and allowed a solo homer to Rob Brantly in the fourth inning.
Porcello's ERA actually rose from 2.50 to 3.00. He now has 21 strikeouts and hasn't walked a batter in 24 spring innings.
Tigers leaning toward Rick Porcello?
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/23/2013) It appears the Tigers are leaning toward Rick Porcello as the fifth starter to open the season, according to the Detroit Free Press. It looks like Porcello will win the job with Drew Smyly as the long reliever. Newcomer Jose Alvarez would start with Triple-A Toledo.
Porcello and Smyly have each pitched well this spring but Smyly has more bullpen experience and Porcello more experience as a starter. This scenario, of course, could change.
Tigers haven't proposed any Rick Porcello offers to teams
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) The Tigers refuted a claim made by ESPN's Jim Bowden Thursday that the Padres declined an offer from the Tigers that involved trading a reliever for Rick Porcello. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski told the Detroit News that the Tigers haven't made any proposals to teams involving Porcello.
"It's simply not right," Dombrowski said. "Does it mean I don't listen? No. You always listen to what people have to say. Is it going to happen? Most likely not."
Porcello's market value has likely risen considerably after a strong spring and it wouldn't be surprising to see him pitching for another team at some point this season.
Report: Padres turn down two deals for Rick Porcello
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) The Padres have turned down two trade offers for Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello, a Tigers source told ESPN Baseball Insider Jim Bowden.
The Padres nixed a Porcello for closer Huston Street trade and also passed on a Porcello for reliever Luke Gregerson deal. However, Bowden reports talks have continued between the two clubs.
Cardinals looking at Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) The Cardinals are "checking out" Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello, according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The 24-year-old Porcello has been rumored to be on the block this spring. Porcello’s strong performance during spring training may have boosted his stock. In 18 innings, Porcello has 18 strikeouts and has not walked a batter.
Last season, Porcello had a 4.59 ERA and a 3.91 FIP in 176.1 innings.
The Cardinals' rotation is mostly set, with the exception of their fifth spot. Shelby Miller and Joe Kelly were thought to be in competition for the last spot. If the team acquired Porcello, he would likely push both out of the rotation.
Six teams scout Rick Porcello Wednesday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) The Rangers, Red Sox, Orioles, Padres, Dodgers and Cardinals all had scouts in attendence to watch Rick Porcello pitch Wednesday, according to FOXSports.com.
However, Porcello's stellar play may make it difficult for the Tigers to trade him unless a team bowls them over with an offer. Still just 24 years old, he has struck out 18 batters in 18 innings this spring without walking anyway.
The most likely scenario still appears to be Porcello starting the season in the Tigers rotation and Drew Smyly pitching at Triple-A or in the bullpen.
Rick Porcello allows one hit in minor-league start
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/20/2013) Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello strengthened his case to make the rotation by allowing just one hit in 6 2/3 innings against Houston's Class A affiliate Wednesday.
Porcello recorded four strikeouts while featuring his off-speed stuff. "We worked on our offspeed a lot today," Porcello told MLive.com. "I'm just going to continue and get a feel for those -- that's my main goal."
Porcello has posted a 2.50 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 18:0 K:BB ratio in 18 innings of spring-training action.
Rangers and Padres pursuing Rick Porcello
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/20/2013) The Rangers and Padres are pursing Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello in a trade, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports. The Orioles have also scouted Porcello but have indicated they prefer their group of young starting pitching.
According to Rosenthal, the Tigers are asking for Rangers shortstop Leury Garcia and starting pitcher Nick Tepesch and perhaps more in a deal. The Padres made a deal deemed "aggressive" but were rebuked by Detroit. The club has also discussed re-acquiring Casper Wells from the Mariners.
Porcello remains locked in the fifth starter competition in Detroit with Drew Smyly. Smyly has an option remaining and can be sent down to Triple-A without being exposed to waivers if the Tigers don't find a deal they like for Porcello.
Rick Porcello finally a tame Tiger
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/16/2013) When you think of the Tigers' rotation, it's essentially Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and then the rest. That aspect particularly holds true at the fifth spot where two unpolished youngsters -- Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly -- continue to jockey for the position this spring.
Both pitchers have been sharp during Grapefruit League play, but Porcello has been particularly impressive, showcasing improved command and stamina. Yes, it's easy to place too much stock into spring performances because of inflated stats, however, Porcello's current run offers renewed hope in the right-hander.
In five starts this spring, Porcello has racked up 18 strikeouts and no walks over 18 innings, including 10 in his past two outings. That's right -- no walks from the guy who finished with a career-high 1.53 WHIP last season, though that number was ballooned by the 226 hits he allowed.
His current ADP in CBSSports.com standard leagues is 257.9 -- a reserve spot in some drafts -- and he is going after the likes of Kyle Kendrick, John Lackey, Ricky Nolasco and even his chief rival, Smyly. Manager Jim Leyland will likely keep the battle raging until the end of spring training, but Porcello is providing more than a glimmer of hope that he has finally crafted his pitching arsenal.
At this point, he is definitely a player Fantasy owners should target with one of their last remaining picks, as he could take a big step forward.
He certainly offers more upside than any non-rookie pitcher at that draft position and can be had at a dirt-cheap price.
Count me in.
Rick Porcello starting to turn heads
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/15/2013) Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello, battling for the final spot in the team's rotation, yielded two runs and four hits over five innings during Detroit's 4-2 Grapefruit League win over Toronto on Friday.
Porcello, competing against Drew Smyly for the last spot in the rotation, fanned four batters and walked none.
He also improved his stellar strikeout-to-walk ratio to 18-to-0 after his fifth start of the spring.
"Every time I go out there it gives me a chance to show what I can do," he said. "Every time I go out to the mound I have to show what I can do. You are only as good as your last start."
Tigers manager Jim Leyland said he liked what he saw in Porcello, but he isn't close to making a decision on the fifth starter.
"You can tell he's been working on his breaking ball and he looks pretty good right now," Leyland said. "He looks really good."
Porcello battling hard for SP job
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/10/2013) Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello had his best start of the spring Sunday against the Nationals, as he continues to compete with Drew Smyly for the final spot in the team's rotation. Porcello hurled five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and no walks. He struck out four, lowering his spring ERA from 3.38 to 2.08. "I feel good right now," Porcello said. "Everything is working well. I am trying to get ahead of the batters, but I am pitching with confidence. I am not here to work on stuff, I am here to win." Tigers manager Jim Leyland isn't showing his hand on the final opening in the Tigers rotation. He liked what he saw from Porcello. "That was impressive. He's bearing up under all the talk like a professional. He is locked in now," he said.
Porcello as closer 'highly unlikely'
(3/6/2013) After saying Tuesday that using Rick Porcello as the team's closer was not "necessarily a wild thought," Tigers manager Jim Leyland clarified those comments on Wednesday. "I would say that that would be highly unlikely," Leyland told MLB.com. "I read the stories this morning. I said it's not some far-out idea that somebody brought that up. I don't think it's a far-out idea. What I'm saying is I think it's probably highly unlikely."
Porcello to close games?
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/5/2013) Tigers rotation candidate Rick Porcello, who is battling with Drew Smyly for the final spot for Detroit, may have a future in the bullpen, according to manager Jim Leyland, reports MLB.com Tuesday. Leyland was asked by a reporter if Porcello could ever close and the manager said that was not "necessarily a wild thought." That said, there are no indications that is in the works anytime soon and Porcello does not want to close for the time being. There have also been rumors that Porcello could be traded.
Porcello shines as Rangers inquire
(3/4/2013) Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello -- in a heated competition for the final rotation spot -- dazzled on Monday against the Astros, striking out six batters in four scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and walked none. Apparently, the Rangers inquired about Porcello's availability on Monday, reports ESPN.
Porcello hit hard by Atlanta
(2/27/2013) Tigers starter Rick Porcello, in a camp battle with Drew Smyly for the fifth starter spot, was rocked by the Braves on Wednesday, giving up three runs on four hits in two innings. He struck out two and walked none.
Porcello has strong spring debut
(2/22/2013) Tigers starter Rick Porcello, battling for a spot in the rotation, no-hit the Braves over two innings in his spring debut on Friday. Porcello didn't walk any batters and struck out two. "I think he's thought about some things, worked on some things this winter," manager Jim Leyland told MLB.com. "I think he's confident. He's been around long enough now. He threw the ball really well -- I mean, 94-95 mph with some good changeups, a couple good breaking balls. He hung one breaking ball he tried to overthrow. I think he got a popup out of it."
Porcello battling for rotation
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (2/12/2013) Detroit starting candidates Drew Smyly and Rick Porcello are both fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation this spring, reports MLB.com Tuesday. Manager Jim Leyland came out and said they both can start and he's not planning on giving daily updates as to who is leading the battle. “We know we have two guys capable of starting in the big leagues, and one of them is going to start for sure,” Leyland said Tuesday morning.
Porcello, Tigers avoid arbitration
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (1/19/2013) Detroit pitcher Rick Porcello avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $5.1 million contract. Porcello, who has also been the subject of trade rumors for much of the offseason, is not a lock to be in the starting rotation for Detroit, however. Drew Smyly will also have a shot at a rotation spot this spring, general manager Dave Dombrowski told MLive.com this week.
Porcello no certainty with Tigers
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (1/16/2013) Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello, who has been the subject of trade rumors for much of this offseason, is no certainty for the starting rotation if he remains with the Tigers. Drew Smyly will also have a shot at a rotation spot this spring, general manager Dave Dombrowski told MLive.com Wednesday. "I'd think you'd have to say Porcello has a leg up because he's got more experience at that point," Dombrowski said, "but Smyly did such a good job for us last year and you ideally want a left-hander in your rotation."
Teams still talking Porcello
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (1/14/2013) FOXSports.com followed up a December report regarding teams inquiring about Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello by adding the Mariners and Diamondbacks have had talks with Detroit about the right-handed hurler, according to sources.
Teams inquiring about Porcello
(12/21/2012) According to FOXSports.com, the Mariners, Orioles and Padres have contacted the Tigers about the availiabilty of pitcher Rick Porcello. The report suggests Seattle and Baltimore have expressed more interesting in acquiring the right-hander. Porcello went 10-12 with a 4.59 ERA in 31 starts for Detroit last season.
