LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) _ Juan Gonzalez has a tight hamstring.

Bad news for the Detroit Tigers, right?

Not necessarily.

Gonzalez, who is pondering a reported $140 million contract offer, sat out the Tigers exhibition opener. But Rob Fick hit a two-run homer and Dean Palmer a solo shot as Detroit beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0 Friday.

``I don't know if it's a strain, or just tight,'' new manager Phil Garner said of the left leg Gonzalez was treating with ice. ``My guess is, if this were the regular season, he'd be playing.''

Gonzalez, who came to the Tigers in a nine-player trade with the Texas Rangers, took part in other drills and said the injury wasn't serious.

``Just a little tight,'' Gonzalez said.

Dave Mlicki, who won a career-best 14 games for Detroit last season, started and allowed three hits over his two innings. Todd Jones, the Tigers' regular closer, pitched a perfect ninth.

Todd Ritchie, who led the Pirates with a 15-9 record and 3.49 ERA last season, started and pitched two perfect innings for Pittsburgh.

Nelson Cruz, the second of six Detroit pitchers, got the win. Mike Williams, who gave up the first of two RBI hits by Deivi Cruz, was the loser.