Detroit Tigers: Zimmermann Stunk It Up Again

Clearly, Jordan Zimmermann is NOT ready to fill a regular role in the Detroit Tigers starting rotation.

In his second start since the All-Star Break, Zimmermann gave up several home runs in the first inning, giving his Detroit Tigers no help on the mound.

Even though the 11 runs scored against the Tigers were not all on Zimmermann, his first pitch set the tone for the entire game. In his first start in over a month, he gave up a home run on his very first pitch. It was so clearly a home run that Justin Upton didn’t even move.

Then, the hits and runs just kept coming.

How Bad Were the Numbers?

Before the second inning was over, Zimmermann had given up four hits, three base-on-balls, and six runs. Three of those runs were home runs. The Tigers never had a chance. Two of his walks scored on the home runs that follow. And, of course, the final nail in the Zimmermann coffin was on Blaine Hardy, whose wild pitch let J.J. Hardy score. It was just one of those nights.

It is difficult to put all the blame for the loss on Zimmermann. Yes, he did give up five runs that the other eight men on the field could do nothing about. No one else can be blamed for that. But, was it his decision to get back on the mound? Does that rest on Brad Ausmus or on Al Avila?

So Many Questions

At the Friday night game, so many fans were sharing their fear for the Saturday night game. Zimmermann’s last start on August 4 was so bad and his starts in Toledo were mediocre. Fans feared more of the same. How could fans know this and the front office staff not?

According to Detroit Free Press author Anthony Fenech, Ausmus said about Zimm’s start: “I don’t really have expectations, so I guess that’s tempered. I just want to see him pitch.” 

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Yes, Ausmus is not going to be overly critical of his pitcher’s performance. But, he had to have some idea. This game was just too important to put on having no expectation. The fans and the rest of the team deserved better. The team has worked too hard to have THAT performance put them back below the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card race.

After the batting practice that Zimmermann gave the Orioles, it only seems appropriate that the young starters should continue to hold their position in the rotation. Matt Boyd should not lose his spot and neither should Daniel Norris. In Boyd’s last month on the mound, he has an ERA of 2.75. He’s given up 6 home runs in 36 innings pitched. In Norris’s last month, he has an ERA of 3.58. In his 32.2. innings, he has given up 3 home runs. It’s safe to say they are much better options that Zimmermann whose ERA for this last two starts is up around 30.

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Unfortunately, with Zimmermann off of the DL, he will have more starts. This puts a great deal of pressure on the other starting pitchers. If Zimmermann cannot figure out his issues, the rest of the pitchers have absolutely no room for error.