Boyd (0-1) was hammered for five runs on five hits and four walks while striking out two over 2.1 innings in Thursday's 11-2 drubbing at the hands of the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Rust may have played a factor in Boyd's lack of sharpness, as rain has played havoc with the Tigers' early-season schedule, but that's small consolation to fantasy GMs who took a chance on him after his impressive spring. If there was any silver lining here for the left-hander it's that Anibal Sanchez was just as bad in relief, so even if Boyd's on a short leash his rotation spot isn't in immediate jeopardy. He'll try to rebound Tuesday at home against the Twins.

Boyd will make his first start of the season Thursday against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Boyd had been slated to start the series opener against Boston, but weather delays have forced an alteration in the Tigers' rotation. The southpaw compiled a 5.03 ERA and a 16:5 K:BB ratio in four starts against the White Sox last season.

Boyd is now scheduled to make his 2017 debut Thursday against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Boyd will actually move up a day following Wednesday's postponement, while Jordan Zimmermann and Daniel Norris will both be pushed back. The 26-year-old lefty endured some growing pains in 20 appearances (18 starts) at the major-league level last season, but he was quite good in July and August with sub-3.00 ERAs in both months. He posted a 23:1 K:BB in 25.2 innings this spring.

Boyd will serve as the Tigers' No. 5 starter to begin the 2017 season, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Anibal Sanchez was informed Tuesday that he will start the season in the bullpen, meaning that Boyd has secured the No. 5 spot in the rotation. The 26-year-old has impressed in camp, posting a 2.49 ERA and 21:0 K:BB ratio over 21.2 innings. With his stellar spring performance, Boyd is a worth a look as a late-round option in fantasy drafts.

Boyd pitched five scoreless innings in Friday's spring training win over the Braves. He allowed three hits and struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Boyd continues to do everything he can to lock down the No. 5 spot in the rotation. He has a 2.49 spring training ERA, and he's struck out 21 while issuing zero walks. "He continues to pitch consistently well," manager Brad Ausmus told Jason Beck of MLB.com. "As well as anyone in camp." Boyd is battling veteran Anibal Sanchez for the spot.

Boyd pitched five innings and got the win in Sunday's spring training game against the Orioles, allowing six hits and just one earned run. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

In his last two outings, Boyd has allowed only a single run on nine hits in 10 innings, while striking out nine. The strong performances should help the 26-year-old lock up the No. 5 spot in the rotation to begin the season.

Boyd took another step toward securing the No. 5 spot in the rotation with a strong spring training performance Tuesday, MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boyd scattered three hits across five innings while striking out five. Boyd has seemingly grown his lead for the No. 5 spot over veterans Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey, who have both struggled this spring. "Nothing's guaranteed," Boyd said. "I've just got to keep working hard, and let someone else make that decision." Boyd certainly has a lot more upside than Sanchez or Pelfrey.

Boyd may be close to cementing the No. 5 spot in the Tigers rotation after allowing one run on three hits while striking out four over three innings of Grapefruit League work Thursday, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw has a 6.75 ERA over 6.2 spring grames but has struck out seven without a walk, which stakes a good case for him ahead of Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey. AL-only fantasy players could gain a productive asset in taking Boyd for the back end of their rotation.

Boyd went two scoreless innings in his spring training debut, giving up two hits and striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

Boyd, who appears to have the inside track on the No. 5 spot in the rotation, threw 32 pitches, 23 for strikes. A strong spring would help Boyd hold off the likes of Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey for that last rotation spot.

Boyd appears to be the early leader for the team's No. 5 starter job, but he'll have to fend off some veteran challengers in spring training, The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boyd had an up-and-down 2016 season, which isn't uncommon for young pitchers, and finished with a 6-5 record to go along with a 4.53 ERA. But the Tigers like how he finished the year, and he seems to have the early edge on veterans Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey to start the year in the rotation. All three figure to get opportunities to start in spring training.