Lakeland, Fla. — He understands this is no way to make a grand first impression with Detroit Tigers fans.
Mike Fiers has started four Grapefruit League games. He has a 9.53 ERA. He also has a strained back that probably will put him on the disabled list ahead of Opening Day, which is set for Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park.
“I want to get all of this straightened out, but when you’re hurting, it’s not easy to do,” Fiers said Monday in the Tigers clubhouse at TigerTown, which has been largely cleared as the moving van heads north with gear, uniforms, and equipment ahead of Thursday.