LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) -Nate Robertson knows he's at a career crossroads.

The left-hander was told by Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland that he would start the season in the bullpen, but before an 8-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, Robertson said he's ready for anything, even if that means leaving Detroit.

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``I am 31 years old and I know I can still be a durable pitcher for somebody,' Robertson said. ``I know I can be a starting pitcher in the big leagues.'

Robertson has been a Detroit Tigers starter since 2004, but had the worst season of his career in 2008, going 7-11 with a 6.35 ERA in 28 starts. He had no guarantees this spring except that he would get a chance to compete for one of the final spots in the rotation.

Robertson got shelled early and often this spring, allowing 12 earned runs in 17 2-3 innings. He was beaten out by rookie Rick Porcello and Zach Miner for the final two spots behind Armando Galarraga, Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson.

Robertson knows he could be the odd man out when Jeremy Bonderman and Joel Zumaya come off the disabled list in less than two weeks. He also knows that his $21.25 million, three-year contract that doesn't expire until 2010, won't make him a highly sought-after pitcher.

Robertson's demotion means the Tigers will go into Monday's opener at Toronto with five right-handed starters.

``In my entire life as a big league manager I have never gone into a season with all right-handers,' Leyland said. ``I had to go with my best five.'

Leyland said Robertson would get a shot somewhere.

``Nate knows my opinion of him,' Leyland said. ``I told him the importance of the entire staff and the importance of his attitude was what was important. He needs to take this as an opportunity and run with it. The best way to get where you want to be is to show what you can do.'

Robertson showed no bitterness and said he took full blame for last season, but wanted to show what he could do with the Tigers' revamped infield playing behind him. Brandon Inge is expected to be a defensive upgrade at third over Miguel Cabrera, who was moved to first. And Adam Everett, when healthy, is one of the best fielding shortstops in the game.

``No excuses, but last year a lot of balls got through,' Robertson said. ``They won't get through this year. Brandon and Everett have transformed this team. I need a chance to pitch and earn their confidence back and I can do that.'

Detroit played all of its starters Thursday and gave Eddie Bonine his first start of the spring. Bonine, whom Leyland told Wednesday night that he made the team, pitched two scoreless innings and finished the spring with a 0.55 ERA.

``That shows what he can do,' Leyland said. ``He's here to eat innings for us. I don't know that he'll pitch in the seventh, eighth or ninth, but he'll come in early and do a good job for us.'

Inge hit his fifth homer of the spring and had three RBI. Carlos Guillen and Cabrera each had two RBIs.

Scott Richmond, who has struggled for Toronto all spring, saw his ERA soar to 6.63 after allowing six earned runs in six innings. Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston didn't exactly have glowing words for Richmond.

``He didn't throw too bad,' Gaston said. ``He needs to get his control down. With him, we'll just have to see what happens.'

Aaron Hill and Alex Rios homered for the Blue Jays and Travis Snider lifted his spring batting average to .421 with three hits.

Scott Richmond, who has struggled for Toronto all spring, saw his ERA soar to 6.63 after allowing six earned runs in six innings.

Aaron Hill and Alex Rios homered for the Blue Jays and Travis Snider lifted his spring batting average to .421 with three hits.