Consistent with his style, Drew Smyly was neither perfect nor dangerously imperfect during Monday's start for the Tigers.

He was cool and competent.

The 23-year-old left-hander, who last Sunday won a spot in the rotation, pitched 5.1 innings in an 11-8 victory over the Blue Jays at Marchant Stadium.

He sparkled the first four innings, allowing a single while striking out three and walking one. But in the fifth he showed some of that youth the Tigers are prepared to accept, at least early.