Detroit Tigers: Analyzing Team’s 40-Man Roster

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Feb 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) and bench coach Gene Lamont (22) talk with the players during workouts at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers players entered the week at 38-38. A .500 record for a team that is built to contend isn’t going to cut it. If moves are made, Detroit will need to make room on the team’s 25 and 40-man rosters.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila has made an effort to hang on to and develop younger players like Michael Fulmer, Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd and Steven Moya. This marks a significant change from Dave Dombrowski, who routinely dealt top prospects.

As such, a number of players on the Tigers’ 40-man roster are pieces for the future. Like Fulmer, Norris, Boyd and Moya, they aren’t going anywhere. In addition to these younger players, Detroit employs a number of high-priced (and sometimes high-performing) veterans that also aren’t going anywhere.

However, there are some on the 40-man roster who could conceivably be let go if an upgrade comes along.

Here is the Tigers full 40-man roster. This list doesn’t include reliever Drew VerHagen, who is on the 60-day disabled list.

Starting Pitchers: Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Mike Pelfrey, Daniel Norris, Jordan Zimmermann, Matt Boyd and Jairo Labourt.

Relief Pitchers: Buck Farmer, Francisco Rodriguez, Shane Greene, Jeff Ferrell, Blaine Hardy, Justin Wilson, Bruce Rondon, Bobby Parnell, Mark Lowe, Anibal Sanchez, Angel Nesbitt, Alex Wilson, Warwick Saupold and Dustin Molleken.

Catchers: Jarrod Saltalamacchia, James McCann and John Hicks

Infielders: Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, Andrew Romine, Jose Iglesias, Nick Castellanos, Casey McGehee and Mike Aviles.

Outfielders: Justin Upton, J.D. Martinez, Steven Moya, Cameron Maybin, Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose.

Designated Hitters: Victor Martinez

Here is a breakdown of the roster, including locks to stay and players most likely to be traded or cut if the Tigers make a move.

May 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) and first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) celebrate after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Detroit won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Locks

The majority of the current 25-man roster is safe. It seems highly unlikely that the team would move on from any of its starting position players. Additionally, Andrew Romine and Jarrod Saltalamacchia should be safe on the bench.

In terms of pitching, things are also generally set. Even pitchers like Anibal Sanchez and Mark Lowe seem likely to stay in Motown. Yes, the duo has struggled at times this season, but Lowe has the potential to turn it around in relief thanks to a solid track record.

Sanchez, meanwhile, has actually been dependable coming out of the bullpen thanks to a 1.86 ERA in six appearances. What’s more, the team is unlikely to be able to find a taker for either’s contract.

Players not on the 25-man roster who are locks include players like Buck Farmer, Matt Boyd, Jairo Labourt, Angel Nesbitt, John Hicks and Dixon Machado.

Farmer has shown well in relief this season and could finally be turning the corner. The flame-throwing Nesbitt could join him in the bullpen in future seasons. Boyd and Labourt, two of the pitchers acquired for David Price, have the potential to be above average starters down the line. Rounding out the list are Hicks and Machado.

Claimed on waivers from the Twins earlier in the season, Hicks started the campaign in Double-A before earning a promotion to Toledo. With the Mud Hens, the catcher has hit .295 with six home runs and 23 RBI in only 27 games. At the very least, Hicks looks like a long-term backup for James McCann, if not more.

Rounding out the group is Machado, who could be Ian Kinsler’s eventual replacement at second base. The slick-fielding infielder would likely be the Tigers starting shortstop if it weren’t for Jose Iglesias.

Mar 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) looks on during the second inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Potentially Expendable Players

The only players on the 25-man roster in danger of losing a spot are Mike Pelfrey and Mike Aviles.

If Pelfrey continues to struggle, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the team go in another direction in the rotation. The former Met isn’t really suited for relief pitching given his low strikeout numbers —4.5 per nine innings this season—and his tendency to allow too many base runners. That combination isn’t going to play well out of the bullpen.

Additionally, the bullpen looks set and sending a reliever down in order to keep Pelfrey could be detrimental. Plus, Detroit already has two converted starters in the bullpen in Shane Greene and Anibal Sanchez.

Aviles could also be expendable if a new player is brought in, or when J.D. Martinez returns. In 38 games, the veteran is only hitting .222 with a .533 OPS. The former Royal is also less valuable than fellow utility player Andrew Romine in the sense that Romine can make more of an impact as a pinch runner and as a defensive replacement.

Next: Two Potentially Useful Relievers Just Became Available

Other potentially expendable players include a pair of outfielders who’ve struggled with both Detroit and Toledo in Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose. In addition to the two, current Toledo relievers Jeff Ferrell and Dustin Molleken could be moved considering Detroit also has Blaine Hardy, Warwick Saupold and Bobby Parnell as depth options.

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Detroit Tigers players entered the week at 38-38. A .500 record for a team that is built to contend isn’t going to cut it. If moves are made, Detroit will need to make room on the team’s 25 and 40-man rosters.

Locks

Potentially Expendable Players

Schedule