Don’t go overboard on a spring training debut, but he did look good. Good velocity on his fastball for this point in camp, lots of movement. More than anything, though, was his poise. As Leyland keeps saying, he steps out on the mound and just looks different, a little like Verlander did.

I fully expect the Tigers to take their time with him, but in terms of tools, he has the stuff to make folks look forward to each step he takes up the ladder.

If there was any doubt left over whether Justin Verlander would start on opening day, that was erased Friday. Leyland confirmed it’s official, then downplayed any significance to it.

"It’s more of a happening than a game," Leyland said. "You’ve got all the politicians out, but I don’t get into that, really. I’m preparing for the game."

On the one hand, Leyland said it was clear that Verlander deserved the honor. On the other hand, he went out of his way to point out that an opening-day assignment doesn’t elevate one pitcher over anyone else.

"We feel like we have five solid starters when they’re healthy. They all can’t pitch on opening day."

Well, technically, they could. But then you’d have to find a sixth starter to pitch the second game of the season.

Other than that, Leyland said he’s "pretty optimistic" about Fernando Rodney’s recovery and "very optimistic" about Joel Zumaya’s recovery. On Zumaya and his return, that means Leyland thinks he could be back sooner than people expect. Rodney said this morning he was feeling good, but obviously he isn’t throwing at this point.

For a spring training game, today is a pretty good pitching matchup. Verlander starts opposite Roy Hallday, then Nate Robertson follows and Rick Porcello will make his spring training debut.