Quick hits

• Rick Porcello will prepare for his starting assignment by pitching a simulated game at Comerica Park on Sunday in an otherwise voluntary workout. Porcello is slated to take the fourth spot in the Tigers' rotation, starting next Friday's series opener against Baltimore. If Saturday's exhibition game against the Nationals is rained out, Anibal Sanchez will face hitters on Sunday as well, ahead of his regular-season debut Thursday against Kansas City.

• While the Tigers headed north Friday afternoon for Washington and an exhibition game against the Nationals, Drew Smyly stayed behind. He'll face hitters in a Minor League game Saturday at Tigertown to keep his arm ready for his regular-season start on April 5 against the Orioles.

• The Tigers put their newly sodded field on display for media at Comerica Park, declaring the Kentucky bluegrass playing surface ready for Monday's season opener. The grass was installed a week ago in the first resodding at the ballpark since 2007.