"I hope I'm starting," Miner said Thursday after getting the win in a 10-2 victory against the Washington Nationals. "But if not, your arm has to be strong and your pitches have to be strong to pitch out of the bullpen. All I can ask for is a chance to start."

Whatever happens, Miner said he will work every day and let others make that decision -- something he accepts after three seasons in which he has been a starter and a reliever for Detroit.

He was 5-2 with a 4.30 ERA in 13 starts in 2008 and 3-3 with a 4.23 ERA in 32 relief appearances.

Armando Galarraga was the only Detroit pitcher to have a more positive season, but Miner finds himself having to earn a rotation spot in competition with Rick Porcello, Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis.

There could be two spots if Jeremy Bonderman's shoulder problems delay the start of his season.

"We all know what's going on," Miner said. "Myself, Dontrelle, Nate and Ricky are all fighting for a spot -- however many spots there are. We'll just let the decisions take care of themselves."

Miner had a strong first outing and a bad second outing, following starter Justin Verlander to the mound on both occasions. In his first start of the spring Thursday, he gave up two runs on two hits in three innings against the Nationals.

His first and third innings were 1-2-3 breezes, but the second inning became a struggle after getting two quick outs. He walked Javier Valentin on four pitches, Joel Guzman doubled, and Anderson Hernandez singled both home.

"Zach pitched good but let three guys get away," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "Bury that inning and he has a great outing."

Miner finished the inning by getting Alberto Gonzalez to ground out.

"You want to be perfect and not allow a hit or run," Miner said. "You want to show them you are the guy. But it's not realistic; no one's perfect. You just want to show the coaches what you can do."

Miner was impressive in his quick innings. He got first baseman Nick Johnson to flail at a pair of sharp-dropping sinkers on the corner before grounding out. He also struck out Elijah Dukes on three pitches.

He said he was "a little too jacked up" and perhaps "over-throwing a little" in the second inning and briefly lost command of his pitches. He lost his focus for three batters, perhaps trying to do too much.

Miner smiled and said, "It's like that old line from Bull Durham: 'Don't think. It only hurts the ballclub.'

"I started off good but then lost it. But I got it back and didn't let it snowball."

Leyland said he expects Miner's next start to be Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals in his hometown of Jupiter at Roger Dean Stadium.