Quick hits

• The Tigers have hired longtime Minor League catcher John Murrian as a second bullpen catcher on the Major League staff, working along Jeff Kunkel. Murrian, a 2009 Draft pick by the Tigers spent most of last season at Class A Lakeland, and fills the opening created when Scott Pickens wasn't retained.

• Longtime clubhouse manager Jim Schmakel had his hands full with Opening Day business, but he stepped in at the last minute to provide Tigers hats for ESPN's Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic during their morning show on ESPN Radio from across the street at Ford Field. ESPN broadcaster and Michigan resident Mike Tirico brought over the hats and gave a shoutout to Schmakel, calling him, "One of the great figures in Detroit sports."