The box score showed a 9.00 ERA. The scoreboard showed 99 mph. But Jackson Jobe’s first spring start against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday was about more than those numbers. The 22-year-old top prospect is competing for a Tigers rotation spot and will get the next month to state his case.

Jobe allowed two earned runs on a hit and a walk in two innings Tuesday in his spring debut against the Orioles.

A fierce starting rotation battle has begun for the Detroit Tigers as they look to round out their bottom two. After the first two games of spring training, Jackson Jobe's hope of starting the year in the big leagues is undoubtedly in question.

The Detroit Tigers lost to the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, 8-7, but Riley Greene starred and Jackson Jobe made an appearance.

Detroit Tigers right-hander Jackson Jobe threw a live batting practice session Thursday morning. He looks like he belongs on the Opening Day roster.

You never want to overreact to live batting practice in the second week of spring training — but, ahh, heck, he’s the No. 1 pitching prospect in baseball. We’re allowed to overreact. Detroit Tigers rookie Jackson Jobe looked spectacular Thursday morning during his 25-pitch session at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

T he Detroit Tigers head out on the road today to meet the Baltimore Orioles for a 1:05 p.m. ET start time. Unfortunately there will be neither television nor radio broadcast. Tha