Tigers rumors: Detroit likely to trade Rick Porcello or Drew Smyly

Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski told reporters, including Lynn Henning of The Detroit News, that he's heard from teams that are interested in the team's surplus of starting pitching. It appears that the team could trade one of its arms before camp breaks.

The Tigers currently have six starters for five spots, including Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Anibal Sanchez, Doug Fister, Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly. The starting four is set, leaving Porcello and Smyly battling it out for the final spot.

Smyly was used out of the bullpen last season, leading some to believe all six arms could be retained. However, it appears that one of Porcello or Smyly will be traded before the end of camp, as Dombrowski said the bullpen is not an option for either pitcher.

Teams continue to be tied to Detroit's arms, specifically Porcello. The Tigers are reportedly interested in acquiring a proven closer, and the thought is they could offer Porcello or Smyly to help facilitate a trade.

Both Porcello and Smyly will be 24 by the end of the season. However, Smyly is under team control for three years longer considering Porcello made his major league debut in 2009. Smyly, who's pre-arbitration-eligible, is also far less expensive than Porcello, who's set to earn $5.1 million this season.