Crosby to see game action Monday vs. Cards

TAMPA, Fla. -- Casey Crosby now has a timetable for his attempt to win a spot in the Tigers' bullpen. The lefty prospect is tentatively set to make his first outing of the spring on Monday against the Cardinals in Jupiter.

Crosby missed a week and a half with soreness around his left elbow. He was cleared for game action after throwing a 35-pitch session of live batting practice Friday at Tigertown.

If Crosby stays on plan, that gives him about 2 1/2 weeks to try to win a bullpen spot out of a crop of lefty relievers that includes veteran Phil Coke, trade acquisition Ian Krol, swingman Jose Alvarez and Blaine Hardy, who has looked good early. Given his starting history, Crosby could provide some flexibility as a multi-inning reliever, rather than as a specialist.