Lakeland, Fla. — Only a few weeks ago, Francisco Liriano was one of those billboard big-leaguers hoping for a job.
He since has found work, with the Tigers, a team that might as well have a Pitching Help Wanted notice posted on the Publix Field marquee at Joker Marchant Stadium.
It could be a happy pairing based on Tuesday’s first peek at Liriano in Tigers togs. He started and worked two innings, striking out three, walking two, and getting slapped for a single in a scoreless stint that might have been the home-field highlight in the Yankees’ 7-2 whipping of Detroit.